US20130093271A1 - Electric device drive assembly and cooling system for electric device drive - Google Patents
Electric device drive assembly and cooling system for electric device drive Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130093271A1 US20130093271A1 US13/650,395 US201213650395A US2013093271A1 US 20130093271 A1 US20130093271 A1 US 20130093271A1 US 201213650395 A US201213650395 A US 201213650395A US 2013093271 A1 US2013093271 A1 US 2013093271A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- axle
- static axle
- drive assembly
- assembly
- bore
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/10—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K16/00—Machines with more than one rotor or stator
- H02K16/04—Machines with one rotor and two stators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K21/00—Synchronous motors having permanent magnets; Synchronous generators having permanent magnets
- H02K21/12—Synchronous motors having permanent magnets; Synchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets
- H02K21/22—Synchronous motors having permanent magnets; Synchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets rotating around the armatures, e.g. flywheel magnetos
Definitions
- the subject matter described herein relates to a drive assembly and cooling system for an electric device, such as a vehicle, e.g., an electric motorcycle or scooter, and in certain embodiments to a motor for an electrically driven device.
- the motors that drive such vehicles and other electrically powered devices often include designs that have an exposed drive shaft that is connected to an inner rotating rotor or an outer rotating rotor. Such exposed drive shafts spin at high rates and present a potential safety risk to anyone coming in close proximity to the spinning shaft.
- Electric motors that include an outer rotating rotor that is connected to a centrally located drive shaft are sometimes referred to as outrunner motors and are a type of brushless motor.
- Outrunner motors spin more slowly than their inrunner counterparts where the outer shell is stationary, while producing more torque.
- Outrunner motors have been used in personal electric transportation applications such as electric bikes and scooters partly due to their size and power-to-weight ratios. Because an outrunner motor is a type of brushless motor, a direct current, switched on and off at high frequency for voltage modulation, is typically passed through three or more nonadjacent windings of the stator, and the group of windings so energized is alternated electronically.
- a cross-section of a typical electric outrunner motor is illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- Motor 900 of a typical outrunner design includes an outer rotor shell 901 that spins around an inner stator 903 carrying coils 905 wrapped around poles 907 .
- the poles and coils of the inner stator is provided on a sleeve or collar 909 coupled by bearings 912 to a rotatable drive shaft 911 that is located on the axial centerline of the motor.
- Collar 909 in cooperation with bearings 912 isolates static poles 907 and coils 905 from the rotating drive shaft 911 .
- the outer rotor shell 901 carries permanent magnets 913 on its inner surface and is connected to the drive shaft. Each of these components of the electric motor contributes to the weight of the motor.
- Both inrunner and outrunner electric motors generate heat as a result of mechanical and electrical friction during motor operation. Cooling electric motors so they do not attain temperatures that will damage motor components or only attain such temperatures for limited periods of time will extend the useful lifetime of the motors. In addition, as demand increases for more powerful motors to drive devices faster and with more acceleration and power, the need to cool such motors efficiently without increasing noise, weight, and complexity will increase. Examples of techniques used to cool electric motors include providing large cooling ribs on external surfaces of the motor or providing fans that provide increased airflow to the internal and/or external components of the motor. While these techniques can contribute to the cooling of an electric motor, they have their drawbacks, such as added weight, increased noise, and added complexity.
- drive assemblies, rotor assemblies, electric devices and electrically powered vehicles including the same, along with methods of cooling stator assemblies, drive assemblies and electric devices are described in the present disclosure.
- the described drive assemblies and electric devices power devices, such as vehicles or other electrically powered devices utilizing a static axle or shaft.
- the drive assemblies and electric devices are internally cooled. Utilizing a static axle means the risk of injury caused by user contact with an axle rotating at a high speed is avoided.
- Non-limiting examples of electric vehicles powered by electric devices described in this application include motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, automobiles, utility carts, riding lawnmowers and off road recreational vehicles, such as “four-wheelers”.
- Non-limiting examples of electrically powered devices of the type described in this application include those that can be powered by an electric motor, such as a push lawnmower, riding lawnmower, chainsaw, and the like.
- Drive assemblies exemplary embodiments of which are described herein, have structures that are compact, rigid and lend themselves to inclusion of sensors used to monitor operation of the drive assembly and provide operation information to a control system for controlling operation of the drive assembly.
- embodiments of drive assemblies described herein may be internally cooled.
- An embodiment of a drive assembly of the type described herein includes a static axle, a stator assembly, and a rotor assembly.
- the static axle including an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the axle.
- a cooling fluid can be flowed through the internal bore to aid in reducing the temperature of the drive assembly.
- a stator assembly is fixed to the static axle and includes a pole and a coil around the pole.
- the rotor assembly includes a housing and a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing. The stator assembly is positioned within the rotor assembly and a drive mechanism is provided on the housing.
- An electric device in accordance with embodiments described herein includes a drive assembly that includes a static axle having an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the axle.
- a stator assembly is fixed to the static axle and the stator assembly includes a pole and a coil around the pole.
- the rotor assembly includes a housing and a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing. The stator assembly is positioned within the rotor assembly and the housing is coupled to a drive mechanism.
- the drive assembly in another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with embodiments for an electric device of the type described herein, includes a static axle including an internal longitudinal bore.
- the static axle includes an inner surface defining the bore and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner surface further including at least one longitudinal rib extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the static axle.
- the drive assembly includes a static axle including an internal longitudinal bore.
- the static axle includes an inner surface defining the bore and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.
- the outer surface includes at least one longitudinal channel extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the static axle.
- the drive assembly in another embodiment of a drive assembly for an electric device in accordance with embodiments described in this application, includes a static axle including an internal bore containing a first flow path for a coolant fluid and a second flow path for the coolant fluid.
- the drive assembly further includes a stator assembly fixed to the static axle and including a pole and a coil around the pole.
- the rotor assembly includes a housing and a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing and the stator assembly is positioned within the rotor assembly.
- a drive mechanism is provided on the housing.
- the present disclosure describes embodiments of cooling a drive mechanism for an electric device.
- the described embodiments include the steps of passing a coolant through a coolant conduit contained within an electric motor of the drive assembly.
- the coolant conduit passes through an axle of the drive assembly.
- the coolant exits the coolant conduit into a coolant distribution chamber within the electric motor.
- the coolant is then contacted with poles and coils of a stator assembly and magnets of a rotor assembly.
- the present disclosure describes electrically powered devices that include a drive assembly in accordance with the embodiments described herein.
- the present application also describes embodiments of methods for cooling a stator assembly fixed to a static axle that includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
- An embodiment of such methods includes near the first end, receiving coolant fluid into an internal bore within the static axle and flowing the coolant fluid toward the second end of the static axle. Near the second end, the direction coolant fluid flow is changed.
- thermal energy from the drive assembly is transferred to the coolant fluid as it flows through the static axle and the warmed coolant fluid is removed from the internal bore near the first end.
- the present disclosure describes embodiments of cooling a drive mechanism for an electric device.
- coolant is carried in an internal bore in a static axle where the coolant fluid absorbs thermal energy from components of the drive assembly that are at temperatures greater than the temperature of the coolant.
- the coolant then exits the cooling conduit and flows across components of the drive assembly, such as a stator central body, poles, coils, stator teeth, and magnets. When components such as these are at temperatures greater than the temperature of the coolant, the coolant absorbs thermal energy from such components.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, attached to a portion of a device to be powered by the drive assembly;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-section view along line 2 - 2 in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the drive assembly of FIG. 1 with the drive wheel removed from the motor and the drive assembly removed from the device;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein;
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein;
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a modified version of the drive assembly shown in FIG. 5A having a hollow shaft, channels for wires, and wires;
- FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the drive assembly shown in FIG. 5A with a sensor provided adjacent the drive assembly;
- FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the drive assembly of FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the drive assembly of FIG. 5B ;
- FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the drive assembly of FIG. 5C ;
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 5A with one end bell and the flux ring removed;
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the drive assembly shown in FIG. 5B with one end bell and the flux ring removed;
- FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 5C with one end bell and the flux ring removed;
- FIG. 8 is an end view of a stator in accordance with embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the axle shown in FIG. 5B ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an existing outrunner electric motor design
- FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system comprising an electric device in accordance with aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of an axle containing coolant flow channels in accordance with embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, attached to a portion of a device to be powered by the drive assembly;
- FIG. 14 is a cross-section view along line 14 - 14 in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the present disclosure with a drive mechanism located on a rotor housing;
- FIG. 16 is an end view of an axle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 17 is an end view of another axle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a drive assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the axle rotates with the rotor, attached to a portion of a device to be powered by the drive assembly;
- FIG. 19 is a cross-section view along line 19 - 19 in FIG. 18 .
- drive wheel and drive mechanism includes sprockets, pulleys, gears and the like.
- the phrases drive wheel and drive mechanism should not be construed narrowly to limit it to the illustrated sprocket, gears or described pulleys, but rather, the phrases drive wheel and drive mechanism are broadly used to cover all types of structures that can transfer the rotational movement of a rotor housing to a device to be driven by the drive assembly.
- electric devices includes electric motors, electric generators, and the like.
- the phrase “electric device” should not be construed narrowly to limit it to the illustrated electric motor, but rather, the phrase “electric device” is broadly used to cover all types of structures that can generate electrical energy from a mechanical input or generate mechanical energy from an electrical input.
- coolant throughout the specification is not limited to air and includes other gases and liquids capable of absorbing thermal energy and transporting thermal energy. Coolants used are preferably selected so as not to have a detrimental effect, e.g., a corrosive effect on components the coolant contacts.
- the present disclosure is directed to examples of drive assemblies for use in electric devices that include a stator assembly located within a housing of a rotor assembly.
- the configuration of drive assemblies examples of which are described by the present disclosure, further include a static axle to which the stator assembly is fixed and a drive mechanism on the rotor assembly housing.
- Such drive assemblies result in a safer, lighter weight, and more rigid drive assembly.
- the static axle includes channels in its outer surface capable of serving as conduits for components such as electrically conducting members.
- the static axle is provided with an internal bore for receiving a coolant to remove thermal energy that has been transferred to the axle from other components of the drive assembly, resulting in a cooled drive assembly.
- the internal bore may be s provided with at least one rib extending along its length.
- the housing is provided with an opening extending from on outer surface of the housing to an inner surface of the housing and at least a portion of magnets of the rotor assembly are exposed through the opening.
- Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When electric motors are operated in reverse converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, they are known as generators. Both electric motors and generators operate on the principle involving interaction of magnetic fields and current carrying conductors to generate force or electrical energy. By their nature, electric motors and generators generate heat during operation as a result of mechanical friction and electrical friction occurring in conductive components that carry electric current.
- the drive assemblies for an electrically powered device described herein include an electric motor or generator including an axle having an internal cooling conduit for receiving a coolant and delivering and distributing the coolant to the interior of the electric device where the coolant removes thermal energy from the electric device and thereby cools it.
- the moving part is called the rotor and the stationary part is called the stator.
- Magnetic fields are produced on poles which carry lengths of conductive wires called coils wrapped around them. Magnets are provided to interact with the magnetic fields on the poles to produce force.
- the poles and the magnets can be provided on either the rotor or the stator respectively.
- Commuter switches or other control mechanisms are typically provided to control current flow to the coils on the poles.
- magnetic fields are formed in both the rotor and the stator, and the product between these two fields gives rise to force and thus a torque on the drive mechanism of the motor.
- One or both of these fields must change with rotation of the motor. This change in field(s) can be achieved by switching the poles on and off in a controlled manner or by varying the strength of the pole.
- Examples of electric motors are DC or direct current motors, and AC or alternating current motors.
- a DC motor is powered by direct current, although there may be an internal mechanism such as a commutator converting direct current to alternating current for part of the motor.
- An AC motor is supplied with alternating current, often avoiding the need for a commutator.
- a synchronous motor is an AC motor that runs at a speed fixed to a fraction of the power supply frequency
- an asynchronous motor is an AC motor, usually an induction motor, whose speed slows with increasing torque to slightly less than synchronous speed.
- the embodiments of an axle including a cooling conduit described herein are applicable to all of these different types of electric motors and electric generators and are not limited in application to specific types of electric motors and generators illustrated and described herein.
- a drive assembly 10 is illustrated mounted to a portion of a device frame 12 , such as a portion of a motorcycle or scooter chassis. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , another portion of the device frame 12 is located on the side of drive assembly 10 opposite the portion of drive frame 12 shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 . This other portion of device frame 12 is not shown in FIG. 1 so as to avoid obscuring portions of drive assembly 10 . This other portion of device frame 12 is shown in FIG. 2 to the right of drive assembly 10 .
- Drive assembly 10 includes a drive mechanism 100 , represented as a drive wheel in the form of a sprocket in FIG. 1 . While drive mechanism 100 in FIG.
- drive mechanism 100 need not be a sprocket, but rather can be a different device for transferring rotational motion of drive mechanism 100 to linear motion of a structure, such as a chain or belt, cooperating with drive mechanism 100 .
- drive mechanism 100 can be a pulley capable of cooperating with a belt or a gear capable of operating with a chain or a belt.
- drive assembly 10 includes a rotor assembly 104 and a stator assembly 106 .
- drive assembly 10 also includes an axle 108 .
- Axle 108 is located on the centerline of drive assembly 10 and extends from the right end of drive assembly 10 to the left end of drive assembly 10 .
- Each end of axle 108 is fixed to a coupler 110 that is received into a recess in respective device frame portions 12 (shown in FIG. 3 ) and fixed to the respective device frame portions.
- each coupler includes two threaded bores receiving threaded ends of bolts 112 which pass through frame portion 12 and fasten couplers 110 to left and right device frame portions 12 .
- couplers 110 When couplers 110 are fastened to respective device portions 12 , they are not able to move relative to device portions 12 . In this manner, axle 108 is fixed to device frame portions 12 and is unable to move relative to device frame portions 12 . While each coupler 110 is described above as including two threaded bores for receiving threaded bolts, it should be understood that more than two thread bores and more than two bolts per coupler could be used to secure a coupler to a device portion. In addition, other techniques for attaching couplers 110 to a device portion 12 can be used, for example, welding, rivets, compression fittings, set screws and the like.
- Stator assembly 106 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes at least one pole 114 wrapped with a coil 116 .
- Pole 114 and coil 116 can be of a conventional design and made from materials known to be useful in stators of electric devices.
- stator assembly 106 includes a plurality of poles 114 , each of which carries its own coil 116 .
- the end of pole 114 opposite axle 108 can include a stator tooth of a conventional design.
- Pole 114 is fixed to axle 108 and therefore is unable to move relative to axle 108 .
- coil 116 is wrapped around stationary pole 114 , coil 116 is indirectly fixed to axle 108 and is unable to move with respect to axle 108 .
- Pole 114 can be fixed to axle 108 by conventional means such as set screws, welding, compression fittings, bolts, and the like.
- Rotor assembly 104 includes a housing 118 , which in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder.
- the inner surface of rotor housing 118 carries a plurality of permanent magnets 120 sized and located so they face adjacent pole 114 and coil 116 of stator assembly 106 .
- Rotor housing 118 includes first end 122 and an opposite second end 124 .
- First end 122 and second end 124 include vents 126 that pass from the inside of housing 118 to the exterior of housing 118 . Air or other cooling fluid may pass through vents 126 into rotor housing to cool motor 102 .
- Magnets 120 are of a conventional design and material and are attached to housing 118 using conventional means.
- bearing 128 is of a known design and includes an inner race 130 fixed to axle 108 , a ball retainer 132 which receives ball bearings 134 .
- Ball retainer 132 and ball bearings 124 are located radially outward from inner race 130 .
- An outer race 136 is located radially outward from ball retainer 132 and ball bearings 134 .
- a rolling element bearing has been disclosed, other types of bearings or their equivalent, such as bushings, jewel bearings, and sleeve bearings may be utilized and that the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to the use of a rolling element bearing.
- Providing bearings in both ends of the drive assembly contributes to the rigidity of the drive assembly which can result in less maintenance, reduced repairs, and longer life.
- First end 122 and second end 124 of rotor housing 108 are fixed to the outer race 136 of bearing 128 which allows rotor housing 108 to rotate around axle 108 and stator assembly 106 as these elements remain stationary.
- electrical connections are provided to coils 116 in a conventional manner and the poles and coils of the stator assembly cooperate with the magnets of the rotor assembly in a conventional manner to cause rotation of the rotor assembly about the stator assembly and axle.
- the drive assembly can be controlled using conventional equipment and techniques.
- Drive assembly 10 further includes a drive mechanism 100 in the form of a drive wheel on housing 118 of rotor assembly 104 .
- drive mechanism 100 is a sprocket with teeth for engaging the links of a drive chain (not shown).
- Drive mechanism 100 has a central bore that includes a keyhole 136 sized and located to cooperate and mate with a key 138 secured to the outer surface of housing 118 . While key 138 and keyhole 136 are illustrated as a way to secure drive mechanism 100 to rotor housing 118 , the embodiments described herein are not limited to such technique and other techniques for fastening drive mechanism 100 to rotor housing 118 can be used, for example, welding, bolting and the like.
- stator assembly 106 When stator assembly 106 is electrically activated, rotor assembly 104 and drive wheel 100 rotate around axle 108 and stator assembly 106 . Cooperation between drive mechanism 100 and a chain, belt or other drive mechanism allows the rotational movement created by drive assembly 10 to be transferred into translational movement that can be transferred to the wheels of a vehicle or working portion of a different device that is to be driven by the drive assembly.
- the drive assembly in accordance with embodiments described herein provides this driving force without an exposed moving axle, resulting a safer electric device.
- Drive assemblies of the type described herein are able to drive vehicles and other electrically powered devices while avoiding the need for an exposed rotating shaft. Eliminating user exposure to an exposed drive shaft spinning at a high rate reduces the risk of injury to the user as well as the amount of maintenance needed to keep the exposed shaft in good working order and to remove materials that may collect on the exposed shaft.
- Another advantage of drive assemblies of the type described herein is an ability to conveniently locate sensors, such as Hall sensors, signals from which can be used to detect the location of the rotor which is delivered to a motor controller so that more precise control of the motor can be achieved.
- sensors such as Hall sensors
- drive mechanism 100 is located on rotor housing 118 adjacent the second end 124 . In an alternative to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 , drive mechanism 100 is positioned adjacent the first end 122 .
- FIG. 5A another embodiment of a drive assembly of the type described herein is illustrated.
- the drive assembly illustrated in FIG. 5A includes a static axle 200 having one end received and supported by first mounting bracket 202 and an opposite end received and supported by a second mounting bracket 204 .
- first mounting bracket 202 includes a horizontal leg 206 and a vertical leg 208 that extends perpendicular to horizontal leg 206 .
- horizontal leg 206 includes two bores 210 for receiving devices such as bolts to secure horizontal leg 206 to a frame of the electric device to be powered by drive assembly 10 .
- An end of vertical leg 208 opposite horizontal leg 206 includes a bore 212 that receives and secures one end of static axle 200 .
- bore 212 can include a key that is received by a key receiver in the outer surface of the axle or the bore can include a key receiver that receives a key that is provided on the outer surface of the axle. Cooperation between the key and key receiver serve to fix the axle to the mounting bracket so the axle is unable to rotate relative to the mounting bracket.
- Second mounting bracket 204 is a mirror image of first mounting bracket 202 and therefore the description regarding first mounting bracket 202 also applies to second mounting bracket 204 .
- static axle 200 carries bearing 214 adjacent first mounting bracket 202 and bearing 216 adjacent second mounting bracket 204 .
- Bearings 214 and 216 can be roller element bearings, but the drive assemblies described herein are not limited to using rolling element bearings.
- an inner race (not shown) for each bearing is fixed by conventional means to axle 200 .
- drive assembly 10 includes first end bell 218 and second end bell 220 .
- Second end bell 220 is a mirror image of first end bell 218 . Accordingly, the following description of first end bell 218 also applies to second end bell 220 .
- End bell 218 is a round plate-shaped member including a central bore 222 that receives the outer race of bearing 214 .
- a collar 224 Around central bore 222 is a collar 224 .
- a beveled shoulder 226 Surrounding collar 224 is a beveled shoulder 226 that extends away from the respective mounting bracket and to an outer peripheral edge 228 of end bell 218 . From outer peripheral edge 228 , the surface of end bell 218 opposite beveled shoulder 226 steps down in diameter to an annular shelf 230 .
- the illustrated drive assembly drive assembly 10 further includes a annular-shaped flux ring 232 forming a housing of the rotor assembly.
- the flux ring 232 has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of annular shelf 230 such that annular shelf 230 of first end bell 218 is received in one open end of annular flux ring 232 .
- the opposite open end of annular flux ring 232 receives the annular shelf 230 of second end bell 220 .
- Both beveled shoulders 226 of end bells 218 and 220 include passageways 234 extending from the outer surface of annular shelves 230 to the inner surface of annular shelves 230 . Passageways 234 provide access for cooling fluid to flow into, through and out of the chamber formed by end bells 218 and 220 and flux ring 232 .
- the inner surface 236 of flux ring 232 carries a plurality of rectangular-shaped magnets 238 best seen in FIGS. 6A and 7A positioned adjacent stator assembly 240 .
- magnets 238 are shown as being rectangular-shaped, it is understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to magnets that are of a rectangular shape. Magnets 238 are spaced around the inner circumference of flux ring 232 in an equally spaced manner.
- drive assembly 10 further includes a stator assembly 240 .
- stator assembly 240 includes a stator collar 242 forming a central part of stator assembly 240 . Passing through the center of stator collar 242 is stator bore 244 .
- Stator bore 244 has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of static axle 200 such that stator bore 244 may receive axle 200 and stator assembly 240 can be fixed to static axle 200 .
- Radiating outward from stator collar 242 are a plurality of poles 246 . In the illustrated embodiment, twelve poles are illustrated; however, it should be understood that a larger number or a smaller number of poles can be utilized.
- Stator poles 246 terminate in stator teeth 248 which in the illustrated embodiment are rectangular-shaped flat plates attached to the outermost radial ends of poles 246 .
- the outer surface of stator teeth 248 define a circumference that has a diameter slightly less than the diameter defined by the inner surface of magnets 238 affixed to the inner surface of flux ring 232 .
- coils 250 of conductive wires are provided around at least one of poles 246 .
- the coils 250 are wound around poles 246 . Ends 252 and 254 of the wire forming coil 250 are best seen in FIG. 7A .
- Each end 252 and 254 of the coil 250 wrapped around pole 246 of the stator assembly 240 may be selectively coupled to terminals of a power source (shown in FIG. 11 ) using conventional techniques.
- the power source may be any power source, including a battery.
- One of the terminals of the power source is configured to supply a current to coil 250 .
- a first electromagnetic field is generated.
- additional electromagnetic fields are generated. These electromagnetic fields interact with the magnetic field generated by magnets 238 and cause flux ring 232 to rotate about axle 200 .
- the drive assemblies of embodiments described herein do not require a shaft collar 909 in FIG. 10 .
- Omission of the shaft collar 909 results in a drive assembly that does not include structure which otherwise would contribute to the weight and overall size of the drive assembly 10 .
- the inner diameter of the stator defined by the central bore passing through the stator can be reduced.
- the diameter of the imaginary circle occupied by the magnets carried by the rotor is reduced.
- the size of the magnets on the inner surface of the rotor can be reduced. The reduced size of the magnets translates into a reduction in the physical size, weight, and cost of the motor, without compromising the power output of the electric motor.
- drive mechanism 256 can cooperate with a belt, chain, sprocket or the like to transfer the rotational motion of flux ring 232 into linear motion in a chain, belt or the like that can be used to drive a device.
- axle 258 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5B , 6 B, and 7 B includes a central bore 260 that extends along the length of axle 258 as best seen in FIG. 9 .
- axle 258 also includes a plurality of channels 262 formed in the outer periphery of axle 258 that extend along the length of axle 258 . It should be understood that while bore 260 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
- bore 260 can have other shapes such as a rectangle, triangle, or other polygonal shape.
- channels 262 are not limited to the square cross sections that are illustrated in FIGS. 5B , 6 B, and 7 B.
- channels 262 can have cross sections that are different shapes, including triangular, rounded, or other polygonal shapes.
- bore 260 and channels 262 are shown as extending along the entire length of the axle, but is should be understood that bore 260 and channels 262 need not extend along the entire length of axle 258 . In addition to reducing the weight of axle 258 , as seen in FIG.
- channels 262 also serve as receptacles for conductive wires 252 and 254 that are connected to respective ends of coils 250 and ultimately to power source 330 in FIG. 11 . It should be understood that a larger number or a smaller number of channels can be provided in the outer periphery of axle 258 .
- axle 258 with bore 260 provides several benefits, including reducing the weight of axle 258 , which will reduce the overall weight of drive assembly 10 .
- bore 260 can be utilized to receive cooling fluid that can transfer thermal energy from axle 258 , thus cooling axle 258 . Cooling axle 258 can also result in cooling of other elements of drive assembly 10 which are in thermal contact with axle 258 , such as the stator assembly.
- the ends of bore 260 that extend out of first mounting bracket 202 and second mounting bracket 204 can be threaded to receive a coupling from a source of cooling fluid and to receive a conduit for delivering the cooling fluid away from the axle.
- Suitable cooling fluids include liquids and gases.
- FIGS. 5C , 6 C, and 7 C another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the examples described herein is shown.
- Drive assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 5C , 6 C, and 7 C is similar to the drive assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 5A , 6 A, and 7 A.
- the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5C , 6 C, and 7 C includes openings 264 formed through flux ring 232 so as to expose at least a portion of separate magnets carried on the inner surface of the flux ring 232 .
- openings 264 are shown as being positioned between drive mechanism 256 and end bell 218 .
- drive assemblies in accordance with embodiments described herein are not limited to those where openings 264 are located in the positions illustrated in FIG. 5C or those having the specific number of openings shown. For example, more or fewer openings 264 can be positioned in different locations on flux ring 232 .
- openings 264 are illustrated as being oval-shaped and equally spaced around the circumference of flux ring 232 . It should be understood that the present embodiments are not limited to oval openings or to openings that are equally spaced around the circumference of the flux ring.
- openings 264 can be square or triangular or round, and may be unequally spaced around the circumference of flux ring 232 .
- FIGS. 5C , 6 C, and 7 C further include a sensor 266 mounted on a sensor base 268 that includes a bolt hole 270 for securing sensor base 268 to a substrate.
- the sensor 266 is of the type that can detect the magnetic field produced by magnets 238 and that are attached to the inner circumference of flux ring 232 and the combination of poles and coils forming the stator assembly.
- An example of a sensor for detecting the magnetic field generated by magnets 238 and the poles and coils is a Hall sensor. It should be understood that the present embodiments are not limited to Hall sensors and that other sensors capable of sensing magnetic fields can also be utilized.
- Sensor 266 as seen in FIG.
- system 300 includes a controller 320 such as a microprocessor or digital circuitry, electrically coupled to a power source 330 , and to electric device 310 .
- controller 320 is configured to selectively couple power source to electric device 310 .
- controller 320 is configured to selectively couple power source 330 to ends of coils 250 (in FIG. 6B ) of stator assembly 240 to generate current therein.
- controller 330 may control the output of power source 330 to electric device 310 based on the electric device 310 reaching a particular speed, i.e., flux ring 232 reaching a particular number of rotations per minute as detected by the sensor 266 detecting the speed at which the magnets 238 are passing sensor 266 .
- a particular speed i.e., flux ring 232 reaching a particular number of rotations per minute as detected by the sensor 266 detecting the speed at which the magnets 238 are passing sensor 266 .
- openings 264 result in portions of magnets 238 being exposed, thus allowing sensor 266 to sense the presence of the magnets 238 with reduced interference from the flux ring.
- axle 200 in another embodiment of the subject matter described herein, includes an internal bore 272 that is closed on one end (the left end in FIG. 12 ).
- internal bore 272 contains a first flow path defined by a cylindrical conduit 274 .
- the first flow path extends from a first end 276 opposite the closed end of internal bore 272 towards a closed end 273 .
- surrounding first flow path 274 is a second flow path 278 that extends from closed end 273 to first end 276 .
- First end 276 of axle 200 is provided with a manifold 280 that includes a coolant inlet 282 in fluid communication with first flow path 274 and a coolant outlet 284 in fluid communication with second flow path 278 .
- Manifold 280 also includes threaded member 286 cooperating with threads within internal bore to secure the manifold to the static axle 200 .
- End of first flow path 274 opposite coolant inlet 282 terminates adjacent a coolant fluid return surface 288 .
- coolant return surface 288 is a conical surface increasing in diameter as it extends towards the outlet of first flow path 274 . Coolant fluid exiting first flow path 274 impinges upon coolant return surface 288 and is directed outward from first flow path 274 into second coolant flow path 278 in a direction opposite to the flow of coolant in first flow path 274 .
- coolant is introduced into coolant inlet 282 where it flows through first flow path 274 and exits adjacent coolant return surface 288 .
- Coolant return surface 288 helps to guide the coolant fluid into second flow path 278 which is adjacent to the outer surface of internal bore 272 .
- thermal energy is transferred to the coolant when the temperature of the axle is higher than the temperature of the cooling fluid.
- cooling fluid is able to reduce the temperature of static axle 200 .
- the coolant fluid is removed from internal bore 272 through coolant outlet 284 .
- Utilization of the axle 200 illustrated in FIG. 12 helps to not only cool axle 200 but also features of drive assembly 10 that are in thermal contact with axle 200 such as the stator and bearings.
- a more than one of flow channel can be provided to deliver coolant fluid from coolant inlet 282 to coolant return surface 288 .
- more than one flow channel can be provided to deliver coolant from coolant return surface 288 to coolant outlet 284 .
- coolant return surface need not be conical, but be of another shape suitable for directing coolant from first flow path 274 into second flow path 278 .
- Flow of the coolant within internal bore 272 can be further affected by providing baffles or fins within the bore to redirect the coolant.
- drive assembly 10 is illustrated in combination with a device frame 416 to which the drive assembly is attached in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- device frame 416 will be described in the context of a frame for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or electric scooter; however, the reference to a device frame is not limited to a frame for a vehicle such as a motorcycle or electric scooter.
- Device frame 416 includes a round countersunk cavity 418 in a side of device frame 100 to which drive assembly 10 is attached. Countersunk cavity 418 is centered on an axial centerline 419 of drive assembly 10 . Located concentrically within round cavity 418 is a round bore 420 extending through device frame 416 .
- four smaller bores 422 extend through device frame 416 and are located on a circle positioned concentrically with respect to round bore 420 .
- the circle defined by the smaller bores 422 has a radius greater than the radius of round bore 420 and less than the radius of round cavity 418 .
- Round cavity 418 receives a stator block 424 .
- Stator block 424 is a round block having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of round cavity 418 such that the stator block fits snugly within round cavity 418 .
- Stator block 424 includes threaded cavities 426 that extend into the face of stator block 424 facing device frame 416 and sized to receive threaded ends of bolts ( 427 in FIG. 2 ) whereby stator block 424 is secured to device frame 416 .
- threaded cavities do not extend completely through stator block 424 , but the present disclosure is not so limited and the threaded cavities may extend completely through stator block 424 .
- Stator block 424 also includes a central bore 428 extending through stator block 424 and sized to receive an end of axle 429 .
- bore 428 is sized to receive the end of axle 429 such that axle 429 does not rotate with respect to stator block 424 and/or device frame 416 .
- components for coupling axle 429 to stator block 424 and/or device frame 416 such that axle 429 does not rotate relative to stator block 424 include known components such as keys, grooves, and set screws.
- Axle 429 carries bearing 432 that includes an outer race 430 and an inner race 434 .
- Axle 429 is fixed to inner race 434 by known means, such as welding, and outer race 430 of bearing 432 is seated within a bore 436 centrally located within round shaped front cover 438 and fixed to front cover 438 .
- Round shaped front cover 438 has an outer diameter sized to mate with an open end 456 of a rotor housing 454 described below.
- Front cover 438 includes an annular passageway 440 centered on axial centerline 419 that extends through front cover 438 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of axle 436 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
- annular passageway 440 includes optional radially extending blades 442 .
- the size, number and shape of blades 442 can vary depending upon a number of factors, such as the necessary structural rigidity of front cover 438 and the pressure or vacuum generated by the blades as front cover 438 rotates. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, annular passageway 440 of the front cover is not provided with blades 442 .
- drive assembly 10 further includes a stator assembly 412 .
- stator assembly 412 is of a known design and includes a central body 444 including a central bore 446 centered on and extending in a direction parallel to the axial centerline 419 .
- Central bore 446 is sized to receive axle 429 .
- central body 444 is fixed to axle 429 by known techniques such as keys, grooves, set screws, welding and the like.
- Radiating from central body 444 are a plurality of poles 448 around which are wrapped lengths of conductive wire forming coils 450 .
- the ends of poles 448 opposite central body 444 are capped by stator teeth 452 .
- Drive assembly 10 further includes a rotor assembly 414 that includes a cylindrically shaped rotor housing 454 including an open end 456 closed off by front cover 438 , as best seen in FIG. 14 .
- the end of rotor housing 454 opposite open end 456 is closed off by rotor cap 458 .
- Rotor housing 454 further includes an intermediate rotor cap 460 located between open end 456 and rotor cap 458 .
- Intermediate rotor cap 460 divides rotor housing 454 into a coolant distribution chamber 462 adjacent rotor cap 458 and a magnet containing section 464 adjacent open end 456 .
- Intermediate rotor cap 460 is attached to the inner periphery of rotor housing 454 and includes a centrally located inner bore 466 sized to receive and be secured to outer race 468 of bearing 470 .
- Bearing 470 includes an inner race 471 sized to receive and be fixed to axle 429 .
- axle 429 , bearing 470 , intermediate rotor cap 460 , bearing 432 , and front cover 438 allows rotor housing 454 to rotate with respect to axle 429 .
- blades 472 are shown as straight members; however, it should be understood that the size, orientation, and shape of blades 472 can be varied to achieve the desired coolant flow within the coolant distribution chamber.
- blades 472 can be configured to direct coolant as illustrated by arrows 474 in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- blades 472 can be configured to draw coolant through axle 429 into coolant distribution chamber 462 and/or draw coolant into coolant distribution chamber 462 through holes 480 in rotor cap 458 .
- Rotor cap 458 supports a drive shaft 476 centered on the axial centerline of drive assembly 10 .
- Drive shaft 476 carries drive mechanism 478 , e.g., a sprocket, pulley or belt drive.
- Rotor cap 458 further includes a plurality of optional vent holes 480 permitting the ingress or egress of coolant into or out of coolant distribution chamber 462 .
- Intermediate rotor cap 460 includes an annular passageway 482 having an inner radius greater than the radius of central bore 466 and an outer radius less than the outer radius of intermediate rotor cap 460 .
- Annular passageway 482 includes optional blades 484 that may be located, sized, and shaped to direct the coolant in the desired direction.
- blades 484 serve to direct coolant from the coolant distribution chamber 462 into the magnet containing section 464 .
- annular passageway 482 in FIGS. 13 and 14 is illustrated with blades, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, annular passageway 482 does not include blades 472 .
- Magnet containing section 464 of rotor housing 454 includes a plurality of magnets 486 coupled to the inner surface of rotor housing 454 and spaced circumferentially from each other.
- Rotor magnets 486 include conventional permanent magnets known for use in electric motors and generators.
- stator assembly 412 When stator assembly 412 is positioned within rotor assembly 414 , rotor magnets 486 are spaced radially from stator teeth 452 . Coolant that enters magnet containing section 464 from coolant distribution chamber 462 passes across and over magnets 486 , stator teeth 452 , coils 450 , and poles 448 in a direction toward front cover 438 .
- the coolant When the coolant reaches front cover 438 , it passes through annular passageway 440 in front cover 438 and out of drive assembly 10 .
- the coolant is an inexpensive environmentally friendly gas or liquid, such as air or water, it is not necessary to collect the exhausted coolant for recycle or disposal.
- the coolant if the coolant is a gas or liquid that is not environmentally friendly or is costly enough to warrant recycling, it may be collected, cooled and disposed of or recycled back through axle 429 .
- axle 429 extends from a location within device frame 416 through stator block 424 , bearing 432 , front cover 438 , stator assembly 412 , bearing 470 , and intermediate rotor cap 460 .
- Axle 436 includes a conduit 488 (in FIG. 14 ) that serves as a passageway for receiving and delivering coolant from the end of axle 429 located within device frame 416 to the coolant distribution chamber 462 . Coolant received in coolant distribution chamber 462 is redirected through annular passageway 482 in intermediate rotor cap 460 , through magnet containing section 464 , and out through annular passageway 440 in front cover 438 .
- Coolant that enters coolant conduit 488 is generally at a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the various components of drive assembly 10 and thus absorbs thermal energy from the various components and thereby cools drive assembly 10 . More specifically, continuing to refer to FIG. 14 , coolant enters one end of conduit 488 within axle 429 by passing through bore 420 in device frame 416 into conduit 488 . As coolant passes through conduit 488 is absorbs thermal energy from axle 429 and components such as central body 444 , poles 448 , and coils 450 . Coolant then exits conduit 488 into coolant distribution chamber 462 where it is redirected to flow in a direction (indicated by arrows 474 ) opposite to the direction it flowed through conduit 488 .
- Coolant then flows through annular passageway 482 in intermediate rotor cap 460 .
- Blades 472 and 484 serve to facilitate the flow of coolant through intermediate rotor cap 460 .
- Coolant that passes through intermediate rotor cap 460 enters magnet containing section 464 where it flows across and contacts magnets 486 , stator teeth 452 , central body 444 , poles 448 , and coils 450 .
- magnets 486 When these components are at a temperature higher than the temperature of the coolant, thermal energy from these components is absorbed by the coolant, thereby cooling the components.
- Coolant then exits magnet containing section 464 through annular passageway 440 .
- Blades 442 in annular passageway may promote flow of the coolant through annular passageway 440 .
- utilizing a hollow axle provides an additional benefit of reduced weight. This reduced weight may come at the expense of a less strong axle, but such reduced strength can be mitigated by provide strengthening members within the coolant conduit as described below with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 .
- electric current is delivered to coils 450 by wires (not shown) which generates magnetic fields in poles 448 that interact with rotor magnets 486 resulting in a force which causes rotor housing 454 to rotate along with drive mechanism 478 .
- Conductive wires connected to coils 450 can be routed within the conduit 488 and pass through axle 429 through bores in the axle wall (not shown). Alternatively, the conductive wires can be carried on the outer surface of axle 429 .
- the supply of electric current to different coils can be controlled by a motor controller (not shown) receiving inputs from a rotor sensor configured to sense the position of the rotor relative to the coils and provide signals of rotor position to the motor controller.
- an external fan (not shown) or pump (not shown) is employed to provide a driving force to push coolant through frame 416 into coolant conduit 488 .
- a pump can be fluidly connected to annular passageway 440 in front cover 438 and provide a vacuum to draw coolant through drive assembly 10 .
- coolant conduit 488 may include heat transfer members 490 in FIGS. 15 and 16 or 492 in FIG. 17 .
- Heat transfer members 490 in FIGS. 15 and 16 are heat conducting members that are triangular in a cross section perpendicular to the centerline axis 419 and provide surface area in additional to the inner periphery of conduit 488 through which heat transfer from drive assembly components to the coolant may occur.
- heat transfer members 490 extend along the entire length of axle 429 ; however, it should be understood that heat transfer members 490 and 492 need not extend along the entire length of axle 429 and may extend along only portions of the length of axle 429 .
- heat transfer members 490 are illustrated as being uniformly spaced circumferentially around the inner periphery of axle 436 , they need not be uniformly spaced, for example, they may be unevenly spaced.
- heat transfer members in accordance with the embodiments described herein are not limited to the triangular cross section shown in FIG. 16 . Other cross-sectional shapes may be employed, such as squares, rectangles, partial circles, and the like.
- Heat transfer members 492 in FIG. 17 include intersecting members having a rectangular cross section. In addition to provided increased surface area for heat transfer, heat transfer members 490 and 492 also add structural rigidity and strength to axle 429 .
- drive mechanism 478 is provided on an outer periphery of rotor housing 454 .
- drive mechanism 478 includes a boss 494 to which the drive mechanism 478 is affixed and extends. Boss 494 is fixed within a groove in the outer surface of rotor housing 454 .
- drive shaft 476 is omitted.
- embodiments of the subject matter described herein relating to an internally cooled drive assembly include embodiments wherein the electric motor is an “outrunner” design.
- Embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 18 and 19 of the present disclosure differ from embodiments of FIGS. 13-15 in that axle 429 is not secured to device frame 416 , but rather is fixed to rotor housing 454 and therefore rotates with rotor housing 454 and relative to device frame 416 .
- Device frame 416 includes round bore 420 passing through device frame 416 .
- Round bore 420 is provided with optional bearings 496 and 498 .
- the outer race of bearings 496 and 498 are secured to device frame 416 and the inner race of bearings 496 and 498 are secured to the outer surface of axle 429 .
- Cooperation between device frame 416 , bearing 496 , bearing 498 and axle 429 allow axle 429 to rotate relative to device frame 416 .
- Device frame 416 further includes a plurality of bores 422 sized to pass threaded bolts 427 through device frame 416 .
- Front cover 500 is spaced apart from device frame 416 by spacers 506 .
- Front cover 500 resembles front cover 438 in FIG. 13 ; however, unlike front cover 438 in FIG. 13 , front cover 500 is not secured to rotor housing 454 .
- Front cover 500 includes annular passageway 440 that includes optional blades 442 .
- Front cover 500 also includes a central bore 436 sized to permit axle 429 to pass through front cover 500 . Though not illustrated, central bore 436 can include bearings (not shown) to further support rotation of axle 429 relative to front cover 500 .
- stator support 508 Extending from the face of front cover 500 opposite device frame 416 is a stator support 508 to which poles 448 are coupled.
- stator support 508 is an annular cylindrical member that is centered on axial centerline 419 and extends parallel thereto.
- Stator support 508 has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of axle 429 and is thus radially spaced from the outer periphery of axle 429 .
- the inner periphery of stator support 508 is coupled to outer race 430 of bearing 432 and outer race 468 of bearing 470 .
- the inner race 434 of bearing 432 and the inner race 471 of bearing 470 are secured to the outer periphery of axle 429 .
- axle 429 rotates relative to stationary stator support 508 and supported poles 448 .
- Poles 448 include coils 450 and are capped by stator teeth 452 .
- Rotor housing 454 includes an open end 456 adjacent, but not connected to, the face of front cover 500 opposite device frame 416 .
- the end of rotor housing 454 opposite open end 456 includes rotor cap 458 that closes the end of rotor housing 454 opposite open end 456 .
- Intermediate open end 456 and rotor cap 458 is an intermediate rotor cap 460 similar to intermediate rotor cap 460 in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- Intermediate rotor cap 460 in FIG. 19 differs from intermediate rotor cap 460 in FIGS. 13 and 14 in that it is fixed to the outer periphery of axle 429 .
- Intermediate rotor cap 460 in FIGS. 18 and 19 divides rotor housing 454 into coolant distribution chamber 462 and magnet containing section 464 which includes magnets 486 .
- Intermediate rotor cap 460 includes annular passageway 482 that passes through intermediate rotor cap 460 and provides fluid communication between coolant distribution chamber 462 and magnet containing section 464 .
- Annular passageway 482 may include optional blades 484 .
- the outer periphery of intermediate rotor cap 460 is fixed to the inner periphery of rotor housing 454 .
- Rotor cap 458 includes vent holes 480 allowing for ingress of coolant into coolant distribution chamber 462 and/or egress of coolant from coolant distribution chamber 462 .
- the inner surface of rotor cap 458 includes optional blades 472 .
- the inner surface of rotor cap 458 also includes coupling member 510 in the form of a round annular sleeve having an inner diameter sized to receive axle 429 . Coupling member 510 cooperates with known components to secure axle 429 to coupling member 510 .
- the portion of axle 429 that passes through coolant distribution chamber 462 includes a plurality of holes 512 that allow coolant within coolant conduit 488 in axle 429 to pass from coolant conduit 488 into coolant distribution chamber 462 .
- Coolant in coolant distribution chamber 462 may pass through annular passageway 482 into magnet containing section 464 where it passes across magnets 486 , stator teeth 446 , poles 448 and coils 450 .
- the coolant exits the rotor housing through a gap between front cover 500 and rotor housing 454 and/or through annular passageway 440 in front cover 500 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- The subject matter described herein relates to a drive assembly and cooling system for an electric device, such as a vehicle, e.g., an electric motorcycle or scooter, and in certain embodiments to a motor for an electrically driven device.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- The concern over the volume and cost of fossil fuels available in the future are fueling the proliferation of electric powered devices such as vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, utility carts, lawnmowers, chain saws, and the like. The motors that drive such vehicles and other electrically powered devices often include designs that have an exposed drive shaft that is connected to an inner rotating rotor or an outer rotating rotor. Such exposed drive shafts spin at high rates and present a potential safety risk to anyone coming in close proximity to the spinning shaft.
- Electric motors that include an outer rotating rotor that is connected to a centrally located drive shaft are sometimes referred to as outrunner motors and are a type of brushless motor. Outrunner motors spin more slowly than their inrunner counterparts where the outer shell is stationary, while producing more torque. Outrunner motors have been used in personal electric transportation applications such as electric bikes and scooters partly due to their size and power-to-weight ratios. Because an outrunner motor is a type of brushless motor, a direct current, switched on and off at high frequency for voltage modulation, is typically passed through three or more nonadjacent windings of the stator, and the group of windings so energized is alternated electronically. A cross-section of a typical electric outrunner motor is illustrated in
FIG. 10 .Motor 900 of a typical outrunner design includes anouter rotor shell 901 that spins around aninner stator 903 carryingcoils 905 wrapped aroundpoles 907. The poles and coils of the inner stator is provided on a sleeve orcollar 909 coupled bybearings 912 to arotatable drive shaft 911 that is located on the axial centerline of the motor. Collar 909 in cooperation withbearings 912 isolatesstatic poles 907 andcoils 905 from the rotatingdrive shaft 911. Theouter rotor shell 901 carriespermanent magnets 913 on its inner surface and is connected to the drive shaft. Each of these components of the electric motor contributes to the weight of the motor. - Both inrunner and outrunner electric motors generate heat as a result of mechanical and electrical friction during motor operation. Cooling electric motors so they do not attain temperatures that will damage motor components or only attain such temperatures for limited periods of time will extend the useful lifetime of the motors. In addition, as demand increases for more powerful motors to drive devices faster and with more acceleration and power, the need to cool such motors efficiently without increasing noise, weight, and complexity will increase. Examples of techniques used to cool electric motors include providing large cooling ribs on external surfaces of the motor or providing fans that provide increased airflow to the internal and/or external components of the motor. While these techniques can contribute to the cooling of an electric motor, they have their drawbacks, such as added weight, increased noise, and added complexity.
- With the ever-expanding interest in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving the environment, electric vehicles and electrically powered devices will continue to increase in popularity. Vehicle and device owners and manufacturers of such items will be interested in drive assemblies that are more reliable, offer increased power-to-weight ratios, and are of a reasonable cost.
- As an overview, drive assemblies, rotor assemblies, electric devices and electrically powered vehicles including the same, along with methods of cooling stator assemblies, drive assemblies and electric devices are described in the present disclosure. The described drive assemblies and electric devices power devices, such as vehicles or other electrically powered devices utilizing a static axle or shaft. In some embodiments, the drive assemblies and electric devices are internally cooled. Utilizing a static axle means the risk of injury caused by user contact with an axle rotating at a high speed is avoided. Non-limiting examples of electric vehicles powered by electric devices described in this application include motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, automobiles, utility carts, riding lawnmowers and off road recreational vehicles, such as “four-wheelers”. Non-limiting examples of electrically powered devices of the type described in this application include those that can be powered by an electric motor, such as a push lawnmower, riding lawnmower, chainsaw, and the like. Drive assemblies, exemplary embodiments of which are described herein, have structures that are compact, rigid and lend themselves to inclusion of sensors used to monitor operation of the drive assembly and provide operation information to a control system for controlling operation of the drive assembly. In addition, embodiments of drive assemblies described herein, may be internally cooled.
- An embodiment of a drive assembly of the type described herein includes a static axle, a stator assembly, and a rotor assembly. The static axle including an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the axle. In some embodiments, a cooling fluid can be flowed through the internal bore to aid in reducing the temperature of the drive assembly. A stator assembly is fixed to the static axle and includes a pole and a coil around the pole. The rotor assembly includes a housing and a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing. The stator assembly is positioned within the rotor assembly and a drive mechanism is provided on the housing.
- An electric device in accordance with embodiments described herein includes a drive assembly that includes a static axle having an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the axle. A stator assembly is fixed to the static axle and the stator assembly includes a pole and a coil around the pole. The rotor assembly includes a housing and a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing. The stator assembly is positioned within the rotor assembly and the housing is coupled to a drive mechanism.
- In another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with embodiments for an electric device of the type described herein, the drive assembly includes a static axle including an internal longitudinal bore. The static axle includes an inner surface defining the bore and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner surface further including at least one longitudinal rib extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the static axle.
- In yet another embodiment of a drive assembly for an electric device in accordance with embodiments described herein, the drive assembly includes a static axle including an internal longitudinal bore. The static axle includes an inner surface defining the bore and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The outer surface includes at least one longitudinal channel extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the static axle.
- In another embodiment of a drive assembly for an electric device in accordance with embodiments described in this application, the drive assembly includes a static axle including an internal bore containing a first flow path for a coolant fluid and a second flow path for the coolant fluid. The drive assembly further includes a stator assembly fixed to the static axle and including a pole and a coil around the pole. The rotor assembly includes a housing and a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing and the stator assembly is positioned within the rotor assembly. In accordance with this embodiment, a drive mechanism is provided on the housing.
- In accordance with other aspects, the present disclosure describes embodiments of cooling a drive mechanism for an electric device. The described embodiments include the steps of passing a coolant through a coolant conduit contained within an electric motor of the drive assembly. In certain embodiments, the coolant conduit passes through an axle of the drive assembly. The coolant exits the coolant conduit into a coolant distribution chamber within the electric motor. The coolant is then contacted with poles and coils of a stator assembly and magnets of a rotor assembly.
- In other aspects, the present disclosure describes electrically powered devices that include a drive assembly in accordance with the embodiments described herein.
- The present application also describes embodiments of methods for cooling a stator assembly fixed to a static axle that includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. An embodiment of such methods includes near the first end, receiving coolant fluid into an internal bore within the static axle and flowing the coolant fluid toward the second end of the static axle. Near the second end, the direction coolant fluid flow is changed. In accordance with this embodiment, thermal energy from the drive assembly is transferred to the coolant fluid as it flows through the static axle and the warmed coolant fluid is removed from the internal bore near the first end.
- In accordance with other aspects, the present disclosure describes embodiments of cooling a drive mechanism for an electric device. In such embodiments, coolant is carried in an internal bore in a static axle where the coolant fluid absorbs thermal energy from components of the drive assembly that are at temperatures greater than the temperature of the coolant. In these embodiments, The coolant then exits the cooling conduit and flows across components of the drive assembly, such as a stator central body, poles, coils, stator teeth, and magnets. When components such as these are at temperatures greater than the temperature of the coolant, the coolant absorbs thermal energy from such components.
- In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and they have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, attached to a portion of a device to be powered by the drive assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-section view along line 2-2 inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the drive assembly ofFIG. 1 with the drive wheel removed from the motor and the drive assembly removed from the device; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein; -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein; -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a modified version of the drive assembly shown inFIG. 5A having a hollow shaft, channels for wires, and wires; -
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the drive assembly shown inFIG. 5A with a sensor provided adjacent the drive assembly; -
FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the drive assembly ofFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the drive assembly ofFIG. 5B ; -
FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the drive assembly ofFIG. 5C ; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the drive assembly ofFIG. 5A with one end bell and the flux ring removed; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the drive assembly shown inFIG. 5B with one end bell and the flux ring removed; -
FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the drive assembly ofFIG. 5C with one end bell and the flux ring removed; -
FIG. 8 is an end view of a stator in accordance with embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the axle shown inFIG. 5B ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an existing outrunner electric motor design; -
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system comprising an electric device in accordance with aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of an axle containing coolant flow channels in accordance with embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, attached to a portion of a device to be powered by the drive assembly; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-section view along line 14-14 inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the present disclosure with a drive mechanism located on a rotor housing; -
FIG. 16 is an end view of an axle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 17 is an end view of another axle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a drive assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the axle rotates with the rotor, attached to a portion of a device to be powered by the drive assembly; and -
FIG. 19 is a cross-section view along line 19-19 inFIG. 18 . - It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the subject matter of this application have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the subject matter of this application is not limited except as by the appended claims.
- In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter. However, the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and methods of attaching structures to each other comprising embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the descriptions of other aspects of the present disclosure.
- Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”
- Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
- Reference throughout the specification to drive wheel and drive mechanism includes sprockets, pulleys, gears and the like. The phrases drive wheel and drive mechanism should not be construed narrowly to limit it to the illustrated sprocket, gears or described pulleys, but rather, the phrases drive wheel and drive mechanism are broadly used to cover all types of structures that can transfer the rotational movement of a rotor housing to a device to be driven by the drive assembly.
- Reference throughout the specification to electric devices includes electric motors, electric generators, and the like. The phrase “electric device” should not be construed narrowly to limit it to the illustrated electric motor, but rather, the phrase “electric device” is broadly used to cover all types of structures that can generate electrical energy from a mechanical input or generate mechanical energy from an electrical input.
- The reference to coolant throughout the specification is not limited to air and includes other gases and liquids capable of absorbing thermal energy and transporting thermal energy. Coolants used are preferably selected so as not to have a detrimental effect, e.g., a corrosive effect on components the coolant contacts.
- Specific embodiments are described herein with reference to an electric vehicle; however, the present disclosure and the reference to electrically powered devices should not be limited to electric vehicles or any of the other electric devices described herein.
- In the figures, identical reference numbers identify similar features or elements and relative positions and size of the features in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
- Generally described, the present disclosure is directed to examples of drive assemblies for use in electric devices that include a stator assembly located within a housing of a rotor assembly. The configuration of drive assemblies, examples of which are described by the present disclosure, further include a static axle to which the stator assembly is fixed and a drive mechanism on the rotor assembly housing. Such drive assemblies result in a safer, lighter weight, and more rigid drive assembly. In some embodiments, the static axle includes channels in its outer surface capable of serving as conduits for components such as electrically conducting members. In some embodiments, the static axle is provided with an internal bore for receiving a coolant to remove thermal energy that has been transferred to the axle from other components of the drive assembly, resulting in a cooled drive assembly. In embodiments including a static axle with an internal bore, the internal bore may be s provided with at least one rib extending along its length. In yet other embodiments, the housing is provided with an opening extending from on outer surface of the housing to an inner surface of the housing and at least a portion of magnets of the rotor assembly are exposed through the opening.
- Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When electric motors are operated in reverse converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, they are known as generators. Both electric motors and generators operate on the principle involving interaction of magnetic fields and current carrying conductors to generate force or electrical energy. By their nature, electric motors and generators generate heat during operation as a result of mechanical friction and electrical friction occurring in conductive components that carry electric current. The drive assemblies for an electrically powered device described herein include an electric motor or generator including an axle having an internal cooling conduit for receiving a coolant and delivering and distributing the coolant to the interior of the electric device where the coolant removes thermal energy from the electric device and thereby cools it.
- In an electric motor, the moving part is called the rotor and the stationary part is called the stator. Magnetic fields are produced on poles which carry lengths of conductive wires called coils wrapped around them. Magnets are provided to interact with the magnetic fields on the poles to produce force. The poles and the magnets can be provided on either the rotor or the stator respectively. Commuter switches or other control mechanisms are typically provided to control current flow to the coils on the poles. In operation, magnetic fields are formed in both the rotor and the stator, and the product between these two fields gives rise to force and thus a torque on the drive mechanism of the motor. One or both of these fields must change with rotation of the motor. This change in field(s) can be achieved by switching the poles on and off in a controlled manner or by varying the strength of the pole.
- Examples of electric motors are DC or direct current motors, and AC or alternating current motors. A DC motor is powered by direct current, although there may be an internal mechanism such as a commutator converting direct current to alternating current for part of the motor. An AC motor is supplied with alternating current, often avoiding the need for a commutator. A synchronous motor is an AC motor that runs at a speed fixed to a fraction of the power supply frequency, and an asynchronous motor is an AC motor, usually an induction motor, whose speed slows with increasing torque to slightly less than synchronous speed. The embodiments of an axle including a cooling conduit described herein are applicable to all of these different types of electric motors and electric generators and are not limited in application to specific types of electric motors and generators illustrated and described herein.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , adrive assembly 10 is illustrated mounted to a portion of adevice frame 12, such as a portion of a motorcycle or scooter chassis. Although not shown inFIG. 1 , another portion of thedevice frame 12 is located on the side ofdrive assembly 10 opposite the portion ofdrive frame 12 shown in solid lines inFIG. 1 . This other portion ofdevice frame 12 is not shown inFIG. 1 so as to avoid obscuring portions ofdrive assembly 10. This other portion ofdevice frame 12 is shown inFIG. 2 to the right ofdrive assembly 10. Driveassembly 10 includes adrive mechanism 100, represented as a drive wheel in the form of a sprocket inFIG. 1 . Whiledrive mechanism 100 inFIG. 1 is shown as a sprocket, it is understood thatdrive mechanism 100 need not be a sprocket, but rather can be a different device for transferring rotational motion ofdrive mechanism 100 to linear motion of a structure, such as a chain or belt, cooperating withdrive mechanism 100. For example,drive mechanism 100 can be a pulley capable of cooperating with a belt or a gear capable of operating with a chain or a belt. - Referring additionally to
FIG. 2 , driveassembly 10 includes arotor assembly 104 and astator assembly 106. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , driveassembly 10 also includes anaxle 108.Axle 108 is located on the centerline ofdrive assembly 10 and extends from the right end ofdrive assembly 10 to the left end ofdrive assembly 10. Each end ofaxle 108 is fixed to acoupler 110 that is received into a recess in respective device frame portions 12 (shown inFIG. 3 ) and fixed to the respective device frame portions. Whenaxle 108 is fixed to acoupler 110, it is not able to move relative to the coupler. In the illustrated embodiment, each coupler includes two threaded bores receiving threaded ends ofbolts 112 which pass throughframe portion 12 and fastencouplers 110 to left and rightdevice frame portions 12. Whencouplers 110 are fastened torespective device portions 12, they are not able to move relative todevice portions 12. In this manner,axle 108 is fixed todevice frame portions 12 and is unable to move relative todevice frame portions 12. While eachcoupler 110 is described above as including two threaded bores for receiving threaded bolts, it should be understood that more than two thread bores and more than two bolts per coupler could be used to secure a coupler to a device portion. In addition, other techniques for attachingcouplers 110 to adevice portion 12 can be used, for example, welding, rivets, compression fittings, set screws and the like. -
Stator assembly 106 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2 includes at least onepole 114 wrapped with acoil 116.Pole 114 andcoil 116 can be of a conventional design and made from materials known to be useful in stators of electric devices. Preferably,stator assembly 106 includes a plurality ofpoles 114, each of which carries itsown coil 116. Though not illustrated, the end ofpole 114opposite axle 108 can include a stator tooth of a conventional design.Pole 114 is fixed toaxle 108 and therefore is unable to move relative toaxle 108. Becausecoil 116 is wrapped aroundstationary pole 114,coil 116 is indirectly fixed toaxle 108 and is unable to move with respect toaxle 108.Pole 114 can be fixed toaxle 108 by conventional means such as set screws, welding, compression fittings, bolts, and the like. -
Rotor assembly 104 includes ahousing 118, which in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The inner surface ofrotor housing 118 carries a plurality ofpermanent magnets 120 sized and located so they faceadjacent pole 114 andcoil 116 ofstator assembly 106.Rotor housing 118 includesfirst end 122 and an oppositesecond end 124.First end 122 andsecond end 124 includevents 126 that pass from the inside ofhousing 118 to the exterior ofhousing 118. Air or other cooling fluid may pass throughvents 126 into rotor housing to coolmotor 102.Magnets 120 are of a conventional design and material and are attached tohousing 118 using conventional means. - Each end of
axle 108 carries abearing 128. In the illustrated embodiment, bearing 128 is of a known design and includes aninner race 130 fixed toaxle 108, aball retainer 132 which receivesball bearings 134.Ball retainer 132 andball bearings 124 are located radially outward frominner race 130. Anouter race 136 is located radially outward fromball retainer 132 andball bearings 134. It should be understood that while a rolling element bearing has been disclosed, other types of bearings or their equivalent, such as bushings, jewel bearings, and sleeve bearings may be utilized and that the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to the use of a rolling element bearing. Providing bearings in both ends of the drive assembly contributes to the rigidity of the drive assembly which can result in less maintenance, reduced repairs, and longer life. -
First end 122 andsecond end 124 ofrotor housing 108 are fixed to theouter race 136 of bearing 128 which allowsrotor housing 108 to rotate aroundaxle 108 andstator assembly 106 as these elements remain stationary. Though not shown, electrical connections are provided tocoils 116 in a conventional manner and the poles and coils of the stator assembly cooperate with the magnets of the rotor assembly in a conventional manner to cause rotation of the rotor assembly about the stator assembly and axle. The drive assembly can be controlled using conventional equipment and techniques. - Drive
assembly 10 further includes adrive mechanism 100 in the form of a drive wheel onhousing 118 ofrotor assembly 104. In the illustrated embodiment,drive mechanism 100 is a sprocket with teeth for engaging the links of a drive chain (not shown).Drive mechanism 100 has a central bore that includes akeyhole 136 sized and located to cooperate and mate with a key 138 secured to the outer surface ofhousing 118. Whilekey 138 andkeyhole 136 are illustrated as a way to securedrive mechanism 100 torotor housing 118, the embodiments described herein are not limited to such technique and other techniques forfastening drive mechanism 100 torotor housing 118 can be used, for example, welding, bolting and the like. Whenstator assembly 106 is electrically activated,rotor assembly 104 and drivewheel 100 rotate aroundaxle 108 andstator assembly 106. Cooperation betweendrive mechanism 100 and a chain, belt or other drive mechanism allows the rotational movement created bydrive assembly 10 to be transferred into translational movement that can be transferred to the wheels of a vehicle or working portion of a different device that is to be driven by the drive assembly. The drive assembly in accordance with embodiments described herein provides this driving force without an exposed moving axle, resulting a safer electric device. - Drive assemblies of the type described herein are able to drive vehicles and other electrically powered devices while avoiding the need for an exposed rotating shaft. Eliminating user exposure to an exposed drive shaft spinning at a high rate reduces the risk of injury to the user as well as the amount of maintenance needed to keep the exposed shaft in good working order and to remove materials that may collect on the exposed shaft.
- Another advantage of drive assemblies of the type described herein is an ability to conveniently locate sensors, such as Hall sensors, signals from which can be used to detect the location of the rotor which is delivered to a motor controller so that more precise control of the motor can be achieved.
- In another embodiment of an example of a drive assembly of the type described herein illustrated in
FIG. 4 , onlyfirst end 122 ofdrive assembly 10 is secured todevice frame portion 12. In this embodiment,drive mechanism 100 is located onrotor housing 118 adjacent thesecond end 124. In an alternative to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4 ,drive mechanism 100 is positioned adjacent thefirst end 122. - Referring to
FIG. 5A , another embodiment of a drive assembly of the type described herein is illustrated. The drive assembly illustrated inFIG. 5A includes astatic axle 200 having one end received and supported by first mountingbracket 202 and an opposite end received and supported by asecond mounting bracket 204. In the orientation shown inFIG. 5A , first mountingbracket 202 includes ahorizontal leg 206 and avertical leg 208 that extends perpendicular tohorizontal leg 206. In the illustrated embodiment,horizontal leg 206 includes twobores 210 for receiving devices such as bolts to securehorizontal leg 206 to a frame of the electric device to be powered bydrive assembly 10. An end ofvertical leg 208 oppositehorizontal leg 206 includes abore 212 that receives and secures one end ofstatic axle 200. Though not shown, bore 212 can include a key that is received by a key receiver in the outer surface of the axle or the bore can include a key receiver that receives a key that is provided on the outer surface of the axle. Cooperation between the key and key receiver serve to fix the axle to the mounting bracket so the axle is unable to rotate relative to the mounting bracket. Second mountingbracket 204 is a mirror image of first mountingbracket 202 and therefore the description regarding first mountingbracket 202 also applies tosecond mounting bracket 204. - Referring additionally to
FIGS. 6A and 7A ,static axle 200 carries bearing 214 adjacent first mountingbracket 202 and bearing 216 adjacentsecond mounting bracket 204.Bearings axle 200. In the illustrated embodiment, driveassembly 10 includesfirst end bell 218 andsecond end bell 220.Second end bell 220 is a mirror image offirst end bell 218. Accordingly, the following description offirst end bell 218 also applies tosecond end bell 220.End bell 218 is a round plate-shaped member including acentral bore 222 that receives the outer race ofbearing 214. Aroundcentral bore 222 is acollar 224. Surroundingcollar 224 is abeveled shoulder 226 that extends away from the respective mounting bracket and to an outerperipheral edge 228 ofend bell 218. From outerperipheral edge 228, the surface ofend bell 218 oppositebeveled shoulder 226 steps down in diameter to anannular shelf 230. - The illustrated drive
assembly drive assembly 10 further includes a annular-shapedflux ring 232 forming a housing of the rotor assembly. Theflux ring 232 has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter ofannular shelf 230 such thatannular shelf 230 offirst end bell 218 is received in one open end ofannular flux ring 232. The opposite open end ofannular flux ring 232 receives theannular shelf 230 ofsecond end bell 220. Bothbeveled shoulders 226 ofend bells passageways 234 extending from the outer surface ofannular shelves 230 to the inner surface ofannular shelves 230.Passageways 234 provide access for cooling fluid to flow into, through and out of the chamber formed byend bells flux ring 232. - The
inner surface 236 offlux ring 232 carries a plurality of rectangular-shapedmagnets 238 best seen inFIGS. 6A and 7A positionedadjacent stator assembly 240. Thoughmagnets 238 are shown as being rectangular-shaped, it is understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to magnets that are of a rectangular shape.Magnets 238 are spaced around the inner circumference offlux ring 232 in an equally spaced manner. - In the illustrated embodiment, drive
assembly 10 further includes astator assembly 240. Referring additionally toFIG. 8 ,stator assembly 240 includes astator collar 242 forming a central part ofstator assembly 240. Passing through the center ofstator collar 242 isstator bore 244. Stator bore 244 has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter ofstatic axle 200 such that stator bore 244 may receiveaxle 200 andstator assembly 240 can be fixed tostatic axle 200. Radiating outward fromstator collar 242 are a plurality ofpoles 246. In the illustrated embodiment, twelve poles are illustrated; however, it should be understood that a larger number or a smaller number of poles can be utilized.Stator poles 246 terminate instator teeth 248 which in the illustrated embodiment are rectangular-shaped flat plates attached to the outermost radial ends ofpoles 246. The outer surface ofstator teeth 248 define a circumference that has a diameter slightly less than the diameter defined by the inner surface ofmagnets 238 affixed to the inner surface offlux ring 232. As illustrated inFIG. 7A , coils 250 of conductive wires are provided around at least one ofpoles 246. Thecoils 250 are wound aroundpoles 246.Ends wire forming coil 250 are best seen inFIG. 7A . Eachend coil 250 wrapped aroundpole 246 of thestator assembly 240 may be selectively coupled to terminals of a power source (shown inFIG. 11 ) using conventional techniques. The power source may be any power source, including a battery. One of the terminals of the power source is configured to supply a current tocoil 250. As current flows throughcoils 250, a first electromagnetic field is generated. As current flows through other coils, additional electromagnetic fields are generated. These electromagnetic fields interact with the magnetic field generated bymagnets 238 and causeflux ring 232 to rotate aboutaxle 200. - Unlike conventional outrunner electric motors, the drive assemblies of embodiments described herein do not require a
shaft collar 909 inFIG. 10 . Omission of theshaft collar 909 results in a drive assembly that does not include structure which otherwise would contribute to the weight and overall size of thedrive assembly 10. For example, without a shaft collar, the inner diameter of the stator defined by the central bore passing through the stator can be reduced. When the inner diameter of the stator is reduced and the radial length of the poles remains the same, the diameter of the imaginary circle occupied by the magnets carried by the rotor is reduced. As a result of the diameter of the imaginary circle being reduced, the size of the magnets on the inner surface of the rotor can be reduced. The reduced size of the magnets translates into a reduction in the physical size, weight, and cost of the motor, without compromising the power output of the electric motor. - As
flux ring 232 rotates aroundaxle 200,drive mechanism 256 can cooperate with a belt, chain, sprocket or the like to transfer the rotational motion offlux ring 232 into linear motion in a chain, belt or the like that can be used to drive a device. - Referring to
FIGS. 5B , 6B, and 7B, another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with examples described herein is similar to the embodiment described above with regard toFIGS. 5A , 6A, and 7A; however, theaxle 258 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 5B , 6B, and 7B includes acentral bore 260 that extends along the length ofaxle 258 as best seen inFIG. 9 . In addition,axle 258 also includes a plurality ofchannels 262 formed in the outer periphery ofaxle 258 that extend along the length ofaxle 258. It should be understood that whilebore 260 in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5B , 6B, and 7B has a round cross section, it should be understood thatbore 260 can have other shapes such as a rectangle, triangle, or other polygonal shape. In addition, it should be understood thatchannels 262 are not limited to the square cross sections that are illustrated inFIGS. 5B , 6B, and 7B. For example,channels 262 can have cross sections that are different shapes, including triangular, rounded, or other polygonal shapes. In addition, bore 260 andchannels 262 are shown as extending along the entire length of the axle, but is should be understood thatbore 260 andchannels 262 need not extend along the entire length ofaxle 258. In addition to reducing the weight ofaxle 258, as seen inFIG. 5B ,channels 262 also serve as receptacles forconductive wires coils 250 and ultimately topower source 330 inFIG. 11 . It should be understood that a larger number or a smaller number of channels can be provided in the outer periphery ofaxle 258. - Providing
axle 258 withbore 260 provides several benefits, including reducing the weight ofaxle 258, which will reduce the overall weight ofdrive assembly 10. In addition, bore 260 can be utilized to receive cooling fluid that can transfer thermal energy fromaxle 258, thus coolingaxle 258. Coolingaxle 258 can also result in cooling of other elements ofdrive assembly 10 which are in thermal contact withaxle 258, such as the stator assembly. Though not shown, the ends ofbore 260 that extend out of first mountingbracket 202 and second mountingbracket 204 can be threaded to receive a coupling from a source of cooling fluid and to receive a conduit for delivering the cooling fluid away from the axle. Suitable cooling fluids include liquids and gases. - Referring to
FIGS. 5C , 6C, and 7C, another embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the examples described herein is shown. Driveassembly 10 shown inFIGS. 5C , 6C, and 7C is similar to thedrive assembly 10 shown inFIGS. 5A , 6A, and 7A. The embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5C , 6C, and 7C includesopenings 264 formed throughflux ring 232 so as to expose at least a portion of separate magnets carried on the inner surface of theflux ring 232. In the illustrated embodiment,openings 264 are shown as being positioned betweendrive mechanism 256 andend bell 218. It should be understood that drive assemblies in accordance with embodiments described herein are not limited to those whereopenings 264 are located in the positions illustrated inFIG. 5C or those having the specific number of openings shown. For example, more orfewer openings 264 can be positioned in different locations onflux ring 232. In addition,openings 264 are illustrated as being oval-shaped and equally spaced around the circumference offlux ring 232. It should be understood that the present embodiments are not limited to oval openings or to openings that are equally spaced around the circumference of the flux ring. For example,openings 264 can be square or triangular or round, and may be unequally spaced around the circumference offlux ring 232. - The embodiments of
FIGS. 5C , 6C, and 7C further include asensor 266 mounted on asensor base 268 that includes abolt hole 270 for securingsensor base 268 to a substrate. Thesensor 266 is of the type that can detect the magnetic field produced bymagnets 238 and that are attached to the inner circumference offlux ring 232 and the combination of poles and coils forming the stator assembly. An example of a sensor for detecting the magnetic field generated bymagnets 238 and the poles and coils is a Hall sensor. It should be understood that the present embodiments are not limited to Hall sensors and that other sensors capable of sensing magnetic fields can also be utilized.Sensor 266 as seen inFIG. 11 communicates withcontroller 320 that is also connected topower source 330 andelectric device 310. In accordance with the system illustrated inFIG. 11 , system 300 includes acontroller 320 such as a microprocessor or digital circuitry, electrically coupled to apower source 330, and toelectric device 310. Using known techniques,controller 320 is configured to selectively couple power source toelectric device 310. In particular,controller 320 is configured to selectively couplepower source 330 to ends of coils 250 (inFIG. 6B ) ofstator assembly 240 to generate current therein. - In use,
controller 330 may control the output ofpower source 330 toelectric device 310 based on theelectric device 310 reaching a particular speed, i.e.,flux ring 232 reaching a particular number of rotations per minute as detected by thesensor 266 detecting the speed at which themagnets 238 are passingsensor 266. In accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 5C , 6C, and 7C,openings 264 result in portions ofmagnets 238 being exposed, thus allowingsensor 266 to sense the presence of themagnets 238 with reduced interference from the flux ring. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , in another embodiment of the subject matter described herein,axle 200 includes aninternal bore 272 that is closed on one end (the left end inFIG. 12 ). In accordance with this embodiment,internal bore 272 contains a first flow path defined by acylindrical conduit 274. The first flow path extends from afirst end 276 opposite the closed end ofinternal bore 272 towards aclosed end 273. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , surroundingfirst flow path 274 is asecond flow path 278 that extends fromclosed end 273 tofirst end 276.First end 276 ofaxle 200 is provided with a manifold 280 that includes acoolant inlet 282 in fluid communication withfirst flow path 274 and acoolant outlet 284 in fluid communication withsecond flow path 278.Manifold 280 also includes threadedmember 286 cooperating with threads within internal bore to secure the manifold to thestatic axle 200. End offirst flow path 274opposite coolant inlet 282 terminates adjacent a coolantfluid return surface 288. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 ,coolant return surface 288 is a conical surface increasing in diameter as it extends towards the outlet offirst flow path 274. Coolant fluid exitingfirst flow path 274 impinges uponcoolant return surface 288 and is directed outward fromfirst flow path 274 into secondcoolant flow path 278 in a direction opposite to the flow of coolant infirst flow path 274. - In use, coolant is introduced into
coolant inlet 282 where it flows throughfirst flow path 274 and exits adjacentcoolant return surface 288.Coolant return surface 288 helps to guide the coolant fluid intosecond flow path 278 which is adjacent to the outer surface ofinternal bore 272. As coolant flows throughsecond flow path 278, thermal energy is transferred to the coolant when the temperature of the axle is higher than the temperature of the cooling fluid. In this manner, cooling fluid is able to reduce the temperature ofstatic axle 200. The coolant fluid is removed frominternal bore 272 throughcoolant outlet 284. Utilization of theaxle 200 illustrated inFIG. 12 helps to not onlycool axle 200 but also features ofdrive assembly 10 that are in thermal contact withaxle 200 such as the stator and bearings. - Though not illustrated it should be understood that a more than one of flow channel can be provided to deliver coolant fluid from
coolant inlet 282 tocoolant return surface 288. In addition, more than one flow channel can be provided to deliver coolant fromcoolant return surface 288 tocoolant outlet 284. Further, coolant return surface need not be conical, but be of another shape suitable for directing coolant fromfirst flow path 274 intosecond flow path 278. Flow of the coolant withininternal bore 272 can be further affected by providing baffles or fins within the bore to redirect the coolant. - Referring to
FIGS. 13 and 14 ,drive assembly 10 is illustrated in combination with adevice frame 416 to which the drive assembly is attached in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13 . In the following description,device frame 416 will be described in the context of a frame for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or electric scooter; however, the reference to a device frame is not limited to a frame for a vehicle such as a motorcycle or electric scooter.Device frame 416 includes a roundcountersunk cavity 418 in a side ofdevice frame 100 to whichdrive assembly 10 is attached.Countersunk cavity 418 is centered on anaxial centerline 419 ofdrive assembly 10. Located concentrically withinround cavity 418 is around bore 420 extending throughdevice frame 416. In the illustrated embodiment, foursmaller bores 422 extend throughdevice frame 416 and are located on a circle positioned concentrically with respect toround bore 420. The circle defined by the smaller bores 422 has a radius greater than the radius ofround bore 420 and less than the radius ofround cavity 418. -
Round cavity 418 receives astator block 424.Stator block 424 is a round block having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter ofround cavity 418 such that the stator block fits snugly withinround cavity 418.Stator block 424 includes threadedcavities 426 that extend into the face ofstator block 424 facingdevice frame 416 and sized to receive threaded ends of bolts (427 inFIG. 2 ) wherebystator block 424 is secured todevice frame 416. In the illustrated embodiment, threaded cavities do not extend completely throughstator block 424, but the present disclosure is not so limited and the threaded cavities may extend completely throughstator block 424.Stator block 424 also includes acentral bore 428 extending throughstator block 424 and sized to receive an end ofaxle 429. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 , bore 428 is sized to receive the end ofaxle 429 such thataxle 429 does not rotate with respect to stator block 424 and/ordevice frame 416. Though not illustrated, components forcoupling axle 429 to stator block 424 and/ordevice frame 416 such thataxle 429 does not rotate relative to stator block 424 include known components such as keys, grooves, and set screws. -
Axle 429 carries bearing 432 that includes anouter race 430 and aninner race 434.Axle 429 is fixed toinner race 434 by known means, such as welding, andouter race 430 of bearing 432 is seated within abore 436 centrally located within round shapedfront cover 438 and fixed tofront cover 438. Round shapedfront cover 438 has an outer diameter sized to mate with anopen end 456 of arotor housing 454 described below.Front cover 438 includes anannular passageway 440 centered onaxial centerline 419 that extends throughfront cover 438 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis ofaxle 436. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 ,annular passageway 440 includes optional radially extendingblades 442. The size, number and shape ofblades 442 can vary depending upon a number of factors, such as the necessary structural rigidity offront cover 438 and the pressure or vacuum generated by the blades asfront cover 438 rotates. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present disclosure,annular passageway 440 of the front cover is not provided withblades 442. - Continuing to refer to
FIGS. 13 and 14 ,drive assembly 10 further includes astator assembly 412. InFIGS. 13 and 14 ,stator assembly 412 is of a known design and includes acentral body 444 including acentral bore 446 centered on and extending in a direction parallel to theaxial centerline 419. Central bore 446 is sized to receiveaxle 429. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 ,central body 444 is fixed toaxle 429 by known techniques such as keys, grooves, set screws, welding and the like. Radiating fromcentral body 444 are a plurality ofpoles 448 around which are wrapped lengths of conductivewire forming coils 450. The ends ofpoles 448 oppositecentral body 444 are capped bystator teeth 452. - Drive
assembly 10 further includes arotor assembly 414 that includes a cylindrically shapedrotor housing 454 including anopen end 456 closed off byfront cover 438, as best seen inFIG. 14 . The end ofrotor housing 454 oppositeopen end 456 is closed off byrotor cap 458.Rotor housing 454 further includes anintermediate rotor cap 460 located betweenopen end 456 androtor cap 458.Intermediate rotor cap 460 dividesrotor housing 454 into acoolant distribution chamber 462adjacent rotor cap 458 and amagnet containing section 464 adjacentopen end 456.Intermediate rotor cap 460 is attached to the inner periphery ofrotor housing 454 and includes a centrally locatedinner bore 466 sized to receive and be secured toouter race 468 ofbearing 470. Bearing 470 includes aninner race 471 sized to receive and be fixed toaxle 429. Cooperation betweenaxle 429, bearing 470,intermediate rotor cap 460, bearing 432, andfront cover 438 allowsrotor housing 454 to rotate with respect toaxle 429. - Continuing to refer to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , the face ofrotor cap 458 facingintermediate rotor cap 460 carries a plurality ofblades 472. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 ,blades 472 are shown as straight members; however, it should be understood that the size, orientation, and shape ofblades 472 can be varied to achieve the desired coolant flow within the coolant distribution chamber. For example,blades 472 can be configured to direct coolant as illustrated byarrows 474 inFIGS. 13 and 14 . Alternatively, or in addition,blades 472 can be configured to draw coolant throughaxle 429 intocoolant distribution chamber 462 and/or draw coolant intocoolant distribution chamber 462 throughholes 480 inrotor cap 458. The side ofrotor cap 458 opposite the side that carriesblades 472 supports adrive shaft 476 centered on the axial centerline ofdrive assembly 10. Driveshaft 476 carriesdrive mechanism 478, e.g., a sprocket, pulley or belt drive.Rotor cap 458 further includes a plurality of optional vent holes 480 permitting the ingress or egress of coolant into or out ofcoolant distribution chamber 462. -
Intermediate rotor cap 460 includes anannular passageway 482 having an inner radius greater than the radius ofcentral bore 466 and an outer radius less than the outer radius ofintermediate rotor cap 460.Annular passageway 482 includesoptional blades 484 that may be located, sized, and shaped to direct the coolant in the desired direction. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 ,blades 484 serve to direct coolant from thecoolant distribution chamber 462 into themagnet containing section 464. As with front cover, it should be understood that whileannular passageway 482 inFIGS. 13 and 14 is illustrated with blades, in other embodiments of the present disclosure,annular passageway 482 does not includeblades 472. -
Magnet containing section 464 ofrotor housing 454 includes a plurality ofmagnets 486 coupled to the inner surface ofrotor housing 454 and spaced circumferentially from each other.Rotor magnets 486 include conventional permanent magnets known for use in electric motors and generators. Whenstator assembly 412 is positioned withinrotor assembly 414,rotor magnets 486 are spaced radially fromstator teeth 452. Coolant that entersmagnet containing section 464 fromcoolant distribution chamber 462 passes across and overmagnets 486,stator teeth 452, coils 450, andpoles 448 in a direction towardfront cover 438. When the coolant reachesfront cover 438, it passes throughannular passageway 440 infront cover 438 and out ofdrive assembly 10. When the coolant is an inexpensive environmentally friendly gas or liquid, such as air or water, it is not necessary to collect the exhausted coolant for recycle or disposal. On the other hand, if the coolant is a gas or liquid that is not environmentally friendly or is costly enough to warrant recycling, it may be collected, cooled and disposed of or recycled back throughaxle 429. - As best seen in
FIG. 14 ,axle 429 extends from a location withindevice frame 416 throughstator block 424, bearing 432,front cover 438,stator assembly 412, bearing 470, andintermediate rotor cap 460.Axle 436 includes a conduit 488 (inFIG. 14 ) that serves as a passageway for receiving and delivering coolant from the end ofaxle 429 located withindevice frame 416 to thecoolant distribution chamber 462. Coolant received incoolant distribution chamber 462 is redirected throughannular passageway 482 inintermediate rotor cap 460, throughmagnet containing section 464, and out throughannular passageway 440 infront cover 438. Coolant that enterscoolant conduit 488 is generally at a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the various components ofdrive assembly 10 and thus absorbs thermal energy from the various components and thereby coolsdrive assembly 10. More specifically, continuing to refer toFIG. 14 , coolant enters one end ofconduit 488 withinaxle 429 by passing throughbore 420 indevice frame 416 intoconduit 488. As coolant passes throughconduit 488 is absorbs thermal energy fromaxle 429 and components such ascentral body 444,poles 448, and coils 450. Coolant then exitsconduit 488 intocoolant distribution chamber 462 where it is redirected to flow in a direction (indicated by arrows 474) opposite to the direction it flowed throughconduit 488. Coolant then flows throughannular passageway 482 inintermediate rotor cap 460.Blades intermediate rotor cap 460. Coolant that passes throughintermediate rotor cap 460 entersmagnet containing section 464 where it flows across andcontacts magnets 486,stator teeth 452,central body 444,poles 448, and coils 450. When these components are at a temperature higher than the temperature of the coolant, thermal energy from these components is absorbed by the coolant, thereby cooling the components. Coolant then exitsmagnet containing section 464 throughannular passageway 440.Blades 442 in annular passageway may promote flow of the coolant throughannular passageway 440. - In addition to providing a conduit for cooling, utilizing a hollow axle provides an additional benefit of reduced weight. This reduced weight may come at the expense of a less strong axle, but such reduced strength can be mitigated by provide strengthening members within the coolant conduit as described below with reference to
FIGS. 16 and 17 . - In the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 13 and 14 , electric current is delivered tocoils 450 by wires (not shown) which generates magnetic fields inpoles 448 that interact withrotor magnets 486 resulting in a force which causesrotor housing 454 to rotate along withdrive mechanism 478. Conductive wires connected tocoils 450 can be routed within theconduit 488 and pass throughaxle 429 through bores in the axle wall (not shown). Alternatively, the conductive wires can be carried on the outer surface ofaxle 429. The supply of electric current to different coils can be controlled by a motor controller (not shown) receiving inputs from a rotor sensor configured to sense the position of the rotor relative to the coils and provide signals of rotor position to the motor controller. - In certain embodiments, an external fan (not shown) or pump (not shown) is employed to provide a driving force to push coolant through
frame 416 intocoolant conduit 488. Alternatively, a pump can be fluidly connected toannular passageway 440 infront cover 438 and provide a vacuum to draw coolant throughdrive assembly 10. - Referring additionally to
FIGS. 15 , 16 and 17,coolant conduit 488 may includeheat transfer members 490 inFIGS. 15 and 16 or 492 inFIG. 17 .Heat transfer members 490 inFIGS. 15 and 16 are heat conducting members that are triangular in a cross section perpendicular to thecenterline axis 419 and provide surface area in additional to the inner periphery ofconduit 488 through which heat transfer from drive assembly components to the coolant may occur. As illustrated inFIG. 15 ,heat transfer members 490 extend along the entire length ofaxle 429; however, it should be understood thatheat transfer members axle 429 and may extend along only portions of the length ofaxle 429. It should also be understood that whileheat transfer members 490 are illustrated as being uniformly spaced circumferentially around the inner periphery ofaxle 436, they need not be uniformly spaced, for example, they may be unevenly spaced. In addition, it should be understood that heat transfer members in accordance with the embodiments described herein are not limited to the triangular cross section shown inFIG. 16 . Other cross-sectional shapes may be employed, such as squares, rectangles, partial circles, and the like. - An alternative shape of a
heat transfer member 492 is illustrated inFIG. 17 .Heat transfer members 492 inFIG. 17 include intersecting members having a rectangular cross section. In addition to provided increased surface area for heat transfer,heat transfer members axle 429. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure,drive mechanism 478 is provided on an outer periphery ofrotor housing 454. In embodiments in accordance withFIG. 15 ,drive mechanism 478 includes aboss 494 to which thedrive mechanism 478 is affixed and extends.Boss 494 is fixed within a groove in the outer surface ofrotor housing 454. In accordance with embodiments ofFIG. 15 ,drive shaft 476 is omitted. - Referring to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , embodiments of the subject matter described herein relating to an internally cooled drive assembly include embodiments wherein the electric motor is an “outrunner” design. Embodiments in accordance withFIGS. 18 and 19 of the present disclosure differ from embodiments ofFIGS. 13-15 in thataxle 429 is not secured todevice frame 416, but rather is fixed torotor housing 454 and therefore rotates withrotor housing 454 and relative todevice frame 416. - Referring more specifically to
FIGS. 18 and 19 wherein features inFIGS. 18 and 19 that are identical or similar to features inFIGS. 13-15 are identified by the same reference numerals.Device frame 416 includesround bore 420 passing throughdevice frame 416. Round bore 420 is provided withoptional bearings bearings device frame 416 and the inner race ofbearings axle 429. Cooperation betweendevice frame 416, bearing 496, bearing 498 andaxle 429 allowaxle 429 to rotate relative todevice frame 416.Device frame 416 further includes a plurality ofbores 422 sized to pass threadedbolts 427 throughdevice frame 416. The threaded ends ofbolts 427 are received in threadedcavities 499 located in a face offront cover 500 facingdevice frame 416.Front cover 500 is spaced apart fromdevice frame 416 byspacers 506.Front cover 500 resemblesfront cover 438 inFIG. 13 ; however, unlikefront cover 438 inFIG. 13 ,front cover 500 is not secured torotor housing 454.Front cover 500 includesannular passageway 440 that includesoptional blades 442.Front cover 500 also includes acentral bore 436 sized to permitaxle 429 to pass throughfront cover 500. Though not illustrated,central bore 436 can include bearings (not shown) to further support rotation ofaxle 429 relative tofront cover 500. Extending from the face offront cover 500opposite device frame 416 is astator support 508 to whichpoles 448 are coupled. In the illustrated embodiment,stator support 508 is an annular cylindrical member that is centered onaxial centerline 419 and extends parallel thereto.Stator support 508 has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter ofaxle 429 and is thus radially spaced from the outer periphery ofaxle 429. The inner periphery ofstator support 508 is coupled toouter race 430 of bearing 432 andouter race 468 ofbearing 470. Theinner race 434 of bearing 432 and theinner race 471 of bearing 470 are secured to the outer periphery ofaxle 429. Through this combination of bearings, axle and stator support,axle 429 rotates relative tostationary stator support 508 and supportedpoles 448.Poles 448 includecoils 450 and are capped bystator teeth 452. -
Rotor housing 454 includes anopen end 456 adjacent, but not connected to, the face offront cover 500opposite device frame 416. The end ofrotor housing 454 oppositeopen end 456 includesrotor cap 458 that closes the end ofrotor housing 454 oppositeopen end 456. Intermediateopen end 456 androtor cap 458 is anintermediate rotor cap 460 similar tointermediate rotor cap 460 inFIGS. 13 and 14 .Intermediate rotor cap 460 inFIG. 19 differs fromintermediate rotor cap 460 inFIGS. 13 and 14 in that it is fixed to the outer periphery ofaxle 429.Intermediate rotor cap 460 inFIGS. 18 and 19 divides rotor housing 454 intocoolant distribution chamber 462 andmagnet containing section 464 which includesmagnets 486. -
Intermediate rotor cap 460 includesannular passageway 482 that passes throughintermediate rotor cap 460 and provides fluid communication betweencoolant distribution chamber 462 andmagnet containing section 464.Annular passageway 482 may includeoptional blades 484. The outer periphery ofintermediate rotor cap 460 is fixed to the inner periphery ofrotor housing 454. -
Rotor cap 458 includes vent holes 480 allowing for ingress of coolant intocoolant distribution chamber 462 and/or egress of coolant fromcoolant distribution chamber 462. The inner surface ofrotor cap 458 includesoptional blades 472. The inner surface ofrotor cap 458 also includescoupling member 510 in the form of a round annular sleeve having an inner diameter sized to receiveaxle 429. Couplingmember 510 cooperates with known components to secureaxle 429 tocoupling member 510. - Continuing to refer to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , the portion ofaxle 429 that passes throughcoolant distribution chamber 462 includes a plurality ofholes 512 that allow coolant withincoolant conduit 488 inaxle 429 to pass fromcoolant conduit 488 intocoolant distribution chamber 462. Coolant incoolant distribution chamber 462 may pass throughannular passageway 482 intomagnet containing section 464 where it passes acrossmagnets 486,stator teeth 446,poles 448 and coils 450. At theopen end 456 ofrotor housing 454, the coolant exits the rotor housing through a gap betweenfront cover 500 androtor housing 454 and/or throughannular passageway 440 infront cover 500. - In operation of drive assemblies of the type illustrated in
FIGS. 18 and 19 , electric current is supplied toconductive coils 450 which generates magnetic fields inpoles 448. Such magnetic fields interact with the magnetic fields ofmagnets 486 which produces force causingrotor housing 454 andaxle 429 to rotate relative to thestator assembly 412. Rotation ofaxle 429 rotatesdrive mechanism 478 which can be coupled to a system for transferring such rotational movement to other components of the driven device. - The descriptions of other elements of drive assemblies in accordance with embodiments described with reference to
FIGS. 13 and 14 are equally applicable to drive assemblies in accordance with embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 18 and 19 . - The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/583,984 entitled “INTERNALLY COOLED DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC POWERED DEVICE” and filed Jan. 6, 2012, (Attorney Docket No. 170178.410P1); U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/546,411 entitled “DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC POWERED DEVICE” and filed Oct. 12, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.411P1); U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/615,123 entitled “DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC POWERED DEVICE” and filed Mar. 23, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.413P1); U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/583,456 entitled “ELECTRIC DEVICES” and filed Jan. 5, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.414P1); U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/615,144 entitled “ELECTRIC DEVICE DRIVE ASSEMBLY AND COOLING SYSTEM” and filed Mar. 23, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.415P1); U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/615,143 entitled “DRIVE ASSEMBLY AND DRIVE ASSEMBLY SENSOR FOR ELECTRIC DEVICE” and filed Mar. 23, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.416P1), are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
- These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/650,395 US20130093271A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Electric device drive assembly and cooling system for electric device drive |
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161546411P | 2011-10-12 | 2011-10-12 | |
US201261583456P | 2012-01-05 | 2012-01-05 | |
US201261583984P | 2012-01-06 | 2012-01-06 | |
US201261615144P | 2012-03-23 | 2012-03-23 | |
US201261615123P | 2012-03-23 | 2012-03-23 | |
US201261615143P | 2012-03-23 | 2012-03-23 | |
US13/650,395 US20130093271A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Electric device drive assembly and cooling system for electric device drive |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130093271A1 true US20130093271A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 |
Family
ID=48082483
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/650,498 Abandoned US20130093368A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Electric devices |
US13/650,395 Abandoned US20130093271A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Electric device drive assembly and cooling system for electric device drive |
US13/650,392 Abandoned US20130181582A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Drive assembly for electric device |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/650,498 Abandoned US20130093368A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Electric devices |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/650,392 Abandoned US20130181582A1 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2012-10-12 | Drive assembly for electric device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20130093368A1 (en) |
TW (3) | TW201330466A (en) |
WO (3) | WO2013056024A1 (en) |
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8798852B1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-08-05 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method for authentication of vehicular components |
US8825250B2 (en) | 2011-10-05 | 2014-09-02 | Gogoro, Inc. | Detectible indication of an electric motor vehicle standby mode |
US8862388B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-10-14 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing locations of power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
US8862304B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-10-14 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle diagnostic data |
US8878487B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-11-04 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing to a user device information regarding availability of portable electrical energy storage devices at a portable electrical energy storage device collection, charging and distribution machine |
US8901861B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-12-02 | Gogoro, Inc. | Thermal management of components in electric motor drive vehicles |
US9124085B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2015-09-01 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for power storage device failure safety |
US9123035B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2015-09-01 | Angel A. Penilla | Electric vehicle (EV) range extending charge systems, distributed networks of charge kiosks, and charge locating mobile apps |
US9129461B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-09-08 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for collection, charging and distributing power storage devices, such as batteries |
US9182244B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-11-10 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of power storage devices, such as batteries |
US9216687B2 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2015-12-22 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for vehicle turn signals |
US9248806B2 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2016-02-02 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for security of vehicles |
US20160047319A1 (en) * | 2014-08-12 | 2016-02-18 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Starter-generator modules for gas turbine engines |
US9275505B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2016-03-01 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for physical security of power storage devices in vehicles |
US9390566B2 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2016-07-12 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle event data |
US9407024B2 (en) | 2014-08-11 | 2016-08-02 | Gogoro Inc. | Multidirectional electrical connector, plug and system |
US9424697B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2016-08-23 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for a power storage device compartment |
US9437058B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2016-09-06 | Gogoro Inc. | Dynamically limiting vehicle operation for best effort economy |
US9552682B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2017-01-24 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for redistributing power storage devices, such as batteries, between collection, charging and distribution machines |
US9597973B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2017-03-21 | Angel A. Penilla | Carrier for exchangeable batteries for use by electric vehicles |
USD789883S1 (en) | 2014-09-04 | 2017-06-20 | Gogoro Inc. | Collection, charging and distribution device for portable electrical energy storage devices |
US9770996B2 (en) | 2013-08-06 | 2017-09-26 | Gogoro Inc. | Systems and methods for powering electric vehicles using a single or multiple power cells |
US9830753B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2017-11-28 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for reserving power storage devices at reserving power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
US9837842B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-12-05 | Gogoro Inc. | Systems and methods for utilizing an array of power storage devices, such as batteries |
US9854438B2 (en) | 2013-03-06 | 2017-12-26 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of portable charging devices and power storage devices, such as batteries |
CN108233669A (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2018-06-29 | 江苏工大金凯高端装备制造有限公司 | A kind of fast tool servo device with quick cooling function |
US20180233990A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-08-16 | Khoa Vu | Magnetically geared dc brushless motor using separate winding sections |
US10055911B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2018-08-21 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of power storage devices, such as batteries, based on user profiles |
US10065525B2 (en) | 2013-08-06 | 2018-09-04 | Gogoro Inc. | Adjusting electric vehicle systems based on an electrical energy storage device thermal profile |
US10186094B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2019-01-22 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing locations of power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
WO2019036449A1 (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2019-02-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
US10421462B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2019-09-24 | Gogoro Inc. | Systems and methods for vehicle load detection and response |
US10839451B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2020-11-17 | Emerging Automotive, Llc | Systems providing electric vehicles with access to exchangeable batteries from available battery carriers |
US11075530B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-07-27 | Gogoro Inc. | Modular system for collection and distribution of electric storage devices |
US11149623B2 (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2021-10-19 | Terrestrial Energy Inc. | Pneumatic motor assembly utilizing compressed gas to rotate a magnet assembly and having a cooling jacket surrounding the motor and the magnet assembly to circulate the compressed gas for cooling the magnet assembly, and a flow induction system using the same |
US11222485B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2022-01-11 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing information regarding a vehicle via a mobile device |
US11710105B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2023-07-25 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for changing portable electrical power storage device exchange plans |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BR112016002662B1 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2021-06-08 | Weg Equipamentos Elétricos S.a. | rotating electric machine applied to electric vehicles |
JP6295172B2 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2018-03-14 | Kyb株式会社 | Shock absorber |
EP3354552B1 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2020-05-06 | X'Pole Precision Tools Inc. | Power-driving motor for electric bike |
TWI643431B (en) * | 2017-09-30 | 2018-12-01 | 大陸商上海蔚蘭動力科技有限公司 | Conductive bar inserting apparatus for assembling a motor rotor and assembly method thereof |
RU2688929C1 (en) * | 2018-02-05 | 2019-05-23 | АО "ПКК Миландр" | Electric machine |
WO2020226483A1 (en) * | 2019-05-07 | 2020-11-12 | Hui Nian Lim | Two side magnetic field rotor |
ES2966524T3 (en) * | 2020-01-15 | 2024-04-22 | Novelis Inc | Rotor system with internally cooled magnetic rotor to heat a substrate |
US11876433B2 (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2024-01-16 | Nidec Corporation | Drive device |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5189325A (en) * | 1990-06-15 | 1993-02-23 | General Electric Company | Liquid cooling the rotor of an electrical machine |
US5236069A (en) * | 1992-07-02 | 1993-08-17 | Peng, Huan-Yau | Braking device for indoor exercise bicycles |
JP3169276B2 (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 2001-05-21 | 日本サーボ株式会社 | Hybrid type stepping motor |
US6492756B1 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2002-12-10 | Wavecrest Laboratories, Llc | Rotary electric motor having magnetically isolated stator and rotor groups |
US6949864B2 (en) * | 2000-04-05 | 2005-09-27 | Wavecrest Laboratories, Llc | Rotary electric motor having concentric annular members |
JP2001339924A (en) * | 2000-05-30 | 2001-12-07 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Outer-rotor motor generator |
US7339292B2 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2008-03-04 | Japan Servo Co., Ltd | Motor having shifted teeth of pressed powder construction |
US20050113216A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-05-26 | Wei Cheng | Belt drive system with outer rotor motor |
KR100578180B1 (en) * | 2004-09-14 | 2006-05-11 | 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 | Magnet of motor for drum type washing machine |
WO2007133500A2 (en) * | 2006-05-10 | 2007-11-22 | Jones Robert M | Electric machine having segmented stator |
US7658251B2 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2010-02-09 | James Harry K | Direct drive electric traction motor |
US20090058374A1 (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2009-03-05 | Thomas Evans | High efficiency alternator |
EP2081276A1 (en) * | 2008-01-21 | 2009-07-22 | Marco Cipriani | Electro-magnetical device with reversible generator-motor operation |
US20090294188A1 (en) * | 2008-06-02 | 2009-12-03 | Monty Cole | Motorized axle for use with environmentally friendly vehicles |
JP5202143B2 (en) * | 2008-07-11 | 2013-06-05 | 株式会社一宮電機 | Outer rotor type vehicle generator |
US8183802B2 (en) * | 2009-01-05 | 2012-05-22 | Eric Stephane Quere | Composite electromechanical machines with controller |
CN101783567B (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2013-02-13 | 德昌电机(深圳)有限公司 | DC motor and cooling fan module using same |
DE112009005302B4 (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2021-03-11 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Rotating electric machine device |
JP5543186B2 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2014-07-09 | 株式会社Evモーター・システムズ | Switched reluctance motor drive system |
-
2012
- 2012-10-12 WO PCT/US2012/059921 patent/WO2013056024A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-10-12 WO PCT/US2012/059928 patent/WO2013056030A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-10-12 US US13/650,498 patent/US20130093368A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-10-12 US US13/650,395 patent/US20130093271A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-10-12 WO PCT/US2012/059931 patent/WO2013056033A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-10-12 US US13/650,392 patent/US20130181582A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-10-12 TW TW101137831A patent/TW201330466A/en unknown
- 2012-10-12 TW TW101137829A patent/TW201330462A/en unknown
- 2012-10-12 TW TW101137866A patent/TW201338398A/en unknown
Cited By (67)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9177305B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2015-11-03 | Angel A. Penilla | Electric vehicles (EVs) operable with exchangeable batteries and applications for locating kiosks of batteries and reserving batteries |
US10839451B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2020-11-17 | Emerging Automotive, Llc | Systems providing electric vehicles with access to exchangeable batteries from available battery carriers |
US10245964B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2019-04-02 | Emerging Automotive, Llc | Electric vehicle batteries and stations for charging batteries |
US10086714B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2018-10-02 | Emerging Automotive, Llc | Exchangeable batteries and stations for charging batteries for use by electric vehicles |
US9925882B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2018-03-27 | Emerging Automotive, Llc | Exchangeable batteries for use by electric vehicles |
US9738168B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2017-08-22 | Emerging Automotive, Llc | Cloud access to exchangeable batteries for use by electric vehicles |
US9597973B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2017-03-21 | Angel A. Penilla | Carrier for exchangeable batteries for use by electric vehicles |
US9335179B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2016-05-10 | Angel A. Penilla | Systems for providing electric vehicles data to enable access to charge stations |
US9193277B1 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2015-11-24 | Angel A. Penilla | Systems providing electric vehicles with access to exchangeable batteries |
US9123035B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2015-09-01 | Angel A. Penilla | Electric vehicle (EV) range extending charge systems, distributed networks of charge kiosks, and charge locating mobile apps |
US9177306B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2015-11-03 | Angel A. Penilla | Kiosks for storing, charging and exchanging batteries usable in electric vehicles and servers and applications for locating kiosks and accessing batteries |
US9129272B2 (en) | 2011-04-22 | 2015-09-08 | Angel A. Penilla | Methods for providing electric vehicles with access to exchangeable batteries and methods for locating, accessing and reserving batteries |
US10459471B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2019-10-29 | Gorogo Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for collection, charging and distributing power storage devices, such as batteries |
US10546438B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2020-01-28 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle diagnostic data |
US9129461B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-09-08 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for collection, charging and distributing power storage devices, such as batteries |
US9182244B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-11-10 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of power storage devices, such as batteries |
US11772493B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2023-10-03 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of power storage devices, such as batteries |
US11139684B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2021-10-05 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for a power storage device compartment |
US10573103B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2020-02-25 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for physical security of power storage devices in vehicles |
US9176680B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-11-03 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle diagnostic data |
US9275505B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2016-03-01 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for physical security of power storage devices in vehicles |
US10529151B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2020-01-07 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for reserving power storage devices at reserving power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
US8996308B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-03-31 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing locations of power storage device collection, charging, and distribution machines |
US10345843B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2019-07-09 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for redistributing power storage devices, such as batteries, between collection, charging and distribution machines |
US8862388B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-10-14 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing locations of power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
US9424697B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2016-08-23 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for a power storage device compartment |
US9437058B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2016-09-06 | Gogoro Inc. | Dynamically limiting vehicle operation for best effort economy |
US9552682B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2017-01-24 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for redistributing power storage devices, such as batteries, between collection, charging and distribution machines |
US8996212B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2015-03-31 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle diagnostic data |
US10209090B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2019-02-19 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of power storage devices, such as batteries |
US8901861B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-12-02 | Gogoro, Inc. | Thermal management of components in electric motor drive vehicles |
US10186094B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2019-01-22 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing locations of power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
US9830753B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2017-11-28 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for reserving power storage devices at reserving power storage device collection, charging and distribution machines |
US8862304B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-10-14 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle diagnostic data |
US10055911B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2018-08-21 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of power storage devices, such as batteries, based on user profiles |
US9911252B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2018-03-06 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing to a user device information regarding availability of portable electrical energy storage devices at a portable electrical energy storage device collection, charging and distribution machine |
US9908506B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2018-03-06 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for physical security of power storage devices in vehicles |
US8878487B2 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2014-11-04 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing to a user device information regarding availability of portable electrical energy storage devices at a portable electrical energy storage device collection, charging and distribution machine |
US8825250B2 (en) | 2011-10-05 | 2014-09-02 | Gogoro, Inc. | Detectible indication of an electric motor vehicle standby mode |
US9292983B2 (en) | 2011-10-05 | 2016-03-22 | Gogoro Inc. | Detectible indication of an electric motor vehicle standby mode |
US9248806B2 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2016-02-02 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for security of vehicles |
US9216687B2 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2015-12-22 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for vehicle turn signals |
US9854438B2 (en) | 2013-03-06 | 2017-12-26 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of portable charging devices and power storage devices, such as batteries |
US10681542B2 (en) | 2013-03-06 | 2020-06-09 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for authentication, security and control of portable charging devices and power storage devices, such as batteries |
US11710105B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2023-07-25 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for changing portable electrical power storage device exchange plans |
US11222485B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2022-01-11 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing information regarding a vehicle via a mobile device |
US8798852B1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-08-05 | Gogoro, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method for authentication of vehicular components |
US11075530B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-07-27 | Gogoro Inc. | Modular system for collection and distribution of electric storage devices |
US10065525B2 (en) | 2013-08-06 | 2018-09-04 | Gogoro Inc. | Adjusting electric vehicle systems based on an electrical energy storage device thermal profile |
US9770996B2 (en) | 2013-08-06 | 2017-09-26 | Gogoro Inc. | Systems and methods for powering electric vehicles using a single or multiple power cells |
US9124085B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2015-09-01 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for power storage device failure safety |
US9390566B2 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2016-07-12 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle event data |
US10467827B2 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2019-11-05 | Gogoro Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for providing vehicle event data |
US9837842B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-12-05 | Gogoro Inc. | Systems and methods for utilizing an array of power storage devices, such as batteries |
US9407024B2 (en) | 2014-08-11 | 2016-08-02 | Gogoro Inc. | Multidirectional electrical connector, plug and system |
US20160047319A1 (en) * | 2014-08-12 | 2016-02-18 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Starter-generator modules for gas turbine engines |
US10787967B2 (en) * | 2014-08-12 | 2020-09-29 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Starter-generator modules for gas turbine engines |
US11519336B2 (en) | 2014-08-12 | 2022-12-06 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Starter-generator modules for gas turbine engines |
USD789883S1 (en) | 2014-09-04 | 2017-06-20 | Gogoro Inc. | Collection, charging and distribution device for portable electrical energy storage devices |
US10421462B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2019-09-24 | Gogoro Inc. | Systems and methods for vehicle load detection and response |
US11149623B2 (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2021-10-19 | Terrestrial Energy Inc. | Pneumatic motor assembly utilizing compressed gas to rotate a magnet assembly and having a cooling jacket surrounding the motor and the magnet assembly to circulate the compressed gas for cooling the magnet assembly, and a flow induction system using the same |
US10862358B2 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2020-12-08 | Khoa Vu | Magnetically geared DC brushless motor using separate winding sections |
US20180233990A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-08-16 | Khoa Vu | Magnetically geared dc brushless motor using separate winding sections |
WO2019036449A1 (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2019-02-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
US11451108B2 (en) | 2017-08-16 | 2022-09-20 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
TWI782424B (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2022-11-01 | 美商愛康有限公司 | System for opposing axial impact loading in a motor |
CN108233669A (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2018-06-29 | 江苏工大金凯高端装备制造有限公司 | A kind of fast tool servo device with quick cooling function |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2013056030A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 |
WO2013056024A4 (en) | 2013-07-11 |
TW201330462A (en) | 2013-07-16 |
TW201338398A (en) | 2013-09-16 |
US20130181582A1 (en) | 2013-07-18 |
WO2013056024A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 |
US20130093368A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 |
TW201330466A (en) | 2013-07-16 |
WO2013056033A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130093271A1 (en) | Electric device drive assembly and cooling system for electric device drive | |
US20050104470A1 (en) | Integrated stator-axle for in-wheel motor of an electric vehicle | |
DK2562072T5 (en) | Electrical hjulnavdrev for a vehicle, especially a bicycle | |
US8131413B2 (en) | Electric motor and conversion system for manually powered vehicles | |
US10218249B2 (en) | Brushless DC motorization apparatus | |
CA2416485A1 (en) | Rotor cooling apparatus | |
US9438085B2 (en) | Electromechanical converter system for an electric vehicle with enhanced cooling | |
KR101565808B1 (en) | Breathing electric motor | |
KR102063727B1 (en) | Cooling structure of oil cooling motor | |
US11309770B2 (en) | In-wheel electric motor provided with a cooling system | |
US20150298537A1 (en) | Wheel motor configuration for vehicle motorization | |
CN101617126A (en) | The axial fan of automobile radiators | |
US20190100277A1 (en) | Construction of motorized wheel for vehicle motorization | |
CN112218775A (en) | Electric vehicle and drive device for electric vehicle | |
CN103121400B (en) | In-wheel motor and elec. vehicle | |
US20230010171A1 (en) | In wheel axial flux yokeless outrunner electric motor providing cables and cooling internally | |
KR101060018B1 (en) | In-wheel motor with heat pipe | |
CN220510917U (en) | Rotor with cooling fan and gear hub motor | |
KR101454308B1 (en) | Cooling device for in-wheel motor of electric vehicle | |
KR20070052835A (en) | Multi-phase a.c. vehicle motor | |
JP2016054640A (en) | Motor and electric vehicle | |
CA3196662A1 (en) | In-wheel motor with improved heat dissipation | |
CN114374297A (en) | Built-in heat dissipation type hub motor | |
KR20120121762A (en) | Electric motor and electric vechile having the same | |
JP2013038875A (en) | Rotary electric machine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GOGORO, INC., TAIWAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LUKE, HOK-SUM HORACE;TAYLOR, MATTHEW WHITING;KO, CHUN JUNG;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130219 TO 20130314;REEL/FRAME:030090/0761 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GOGORO INC., CHINA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE RECEIVING PARTY PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 030090 FRAME: 0761. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNORS:LUKE, HOK-SUM HORACE;TAYLOR, MATTHEW WHITING;KO, CHUN JUNG;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130219 TO 20130314;REEL/FRAME:035054/0781 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |